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diff --git a/2866.txt b/2866.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7ee4939 --- /dev/null +++ b/2866.txt @@ -0,0 +1,14042 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Windsor Castle, by William Harrison Ainsworth + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Windsor Castle + +Author: William Harrison Ainsworth + +Posting Date: January 10, 2009 [EBook #2866] +Release Date: October, 2001 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WINDSOR CASTLE *** + + + + +Produced by Grant Macandrew + + + + + +WINDSOR CASTLE + +By William H. Ainsworth + + + "About, about! + Search Windsor Castle, elves, within and out." + + SHAKESPEARE, Merry Wives of Windsor + + + + "There is an old tale goes, that Herne the hunter, + Sometime a keeper here in Windsor forest, + Doth all the winter time, at still midnight, + Walk round about an oak, with great ragg'd horns; + And there he blasts the tree, and takes the cattle, + And makes milch-kine yield blood, and shakes a chain + In a most hideous and dreadful manner: + You have heard of such a spirit; and well you know, + The superstitious idle-headed eld + Receiv'd, and did deliver to our age, + This tale of Herne the hunter for a truth."--ibid + + + + + +WINDSOR CASTLE + + + + +BOOK I. ANNE BOLEYN + + + + +I. + + Of the Earl of Surrey's solitary Ramble in the Home Park--Of + the Vision beheld by him in the Haunted Dell--And of his + Meeting with Morgan Fenwolf, the Keeper, beneath Herne's + Oak. + + +In the twentieth year of the reign of the right high and puissant King +Henry the Eighth, namely, in 1529, on the 21st of April, and on one +of the loveliest evenings that ever fell on the loveliest district in +England, a fair youth, having somewhat the appearance of a page, was +leaning over the terrace wall on the north side of Windsor Castle, and +gazing at the magnificent scene before him. On his right stretched the +broad green expanse forming the Home Park, studded with noble trees, +chiefly consisting of ancient oaks, of which England had already learnt +to be proud, thorns as old or older than the oaks, wide-spreading +beeches, tall elms, and hollies. The disposition of these trees was +picturesque and beautiful in the extreme. Here, at the end of a sweeping +vista, and in the midst of an open space covered with the greenest +sward, stood a mighty broad-armed oak, beneath whose ample boughs, +though as yet almost destitute of foliage, while the sod beneath them +could scarcely boast a head of fern, couched a herd of deer. There lay +a thicket of thorns skirting a sand-bank, burrowed by rabbits, on this +hand grew a dense and Druid-like grove, into whose intricacies the +slanting sunbeams pierced; on that extended a long glade, formed by a +natural avenue of oaks, across which, at intervals, deer were passing. +Nor were human figures wanting to give life and interest to the scene. +Adown the glade came two keepers of the forest, having each a couple of +buckhounds with them in leash, whose baying sounded cheerily amid the +woods. Nearer the castle, and bending their way towards it, marched a +party of falconers with their well-trained birds, whose skill they had +been approving upon their fists, their jesses ringing as they moved +along, while nearer still, and almost at the foot of the terrace wall, +was a minstrel playing on a rebec, to which a keeper, in a dress of +Lincoln green, with a bow over his shoulder, a quiver of arrows at his +back, and a comely damsel under his arm, was listening. + +On the left, a view altogether different in character, though scarcely +less beautiful, was offered to the gaze. It was formed by the town of +Windsor, then not a third of its present size, but incomparably +more picturesque in appearance, consisting almost entirely of a long +straggling row of houses, chequered black and white, with tall gables, +and projecting storeys skirting the west and south sides of the castle, +by the silver windings of the river, traceable for miles, and reflecting +the glowing hues of the sky, by the venerable College of Eton, +embowered in a grove of trees, and by a vast tract of well-wooded and +well-cultivated country beyond it, interspersed with villages, churches, +old halls, monasteries, and abbeys. + +Taking out his tablets, the youth, after some reflection, traced a few +lines upon them, and then, quitting the parapet, proceeded slowly, and +with a musing air, towards the north west angle of the terrace. He +could not be more than fifteen, perhaps not so much, but he was tall and +well-grown, with slight though remarkably well-proportioned limbs; +and it might have been safely predicted that, when arrived at years of +maturity, he would possess great personal vigour. His countenance was +full of thought and intelligence, and he had a broad lofty brow, +shaded by a profusion of light brown ringlets, a long, straight, and +finely-formed nose, a full, sensitive, and well-chiselled mouth, and +a pointed chin. His eyes were large, dark, and somewhat melancholy in +expression, and his complexion possessed that rich clear brown tint +constantly met with in Italy or Spain, though but seldom seen in +a native of our own colder clime. His dress was rich, but sombre, +consisting of a doublet of black satin, worked with threads of Venetian +gold; hose of the same material, and similarly embroidered; a shirt +curiously wrought with black silk, and fastened at the collar with black +enamelled clasps; a cloak of black velvet, passmented with gold, and +lined with crimson satin; a flat black velvet cap, set with pearls and +goldsmith's work, and adorned with a short white plume; and black velvet +buskins. His arms were rapier and dagger, both having gilt and graven +handles, and sheaths of black velvet. + +As he moved along, the sound of voices chanting vespers arose from Saint +George's Chapel; and while he paused to listen to the solemn strains, +a door, in that part of the castle used as the king's privy lodgings, +opened, and a person advanced towards him. The new-comer had broad, +brown, martial-looking features, darkened still more by a thick +coal-black beard, clipped short in the fashion of the time, and a pair +of enormous moustachios. He was accoutred in a habergeon, which gleamed +from beneath the folds of a russet-coloured mantle, and wore a steel cap +in lieu of a bonnet on his head, while a long sword dangled from beneath +his cloak. When within a few paces of the youth, whose back was towards +him, and who did not hear his approach, he announced himself by a loud +cough, that proved the excellence of his lungs, and made the old walls +ring again, startling the jackdaws roosting in the battlements. + +"What! composing a vesper hymn, my lord of Surrey?" he cried with a +laugh, as the other hastily thrust the tablets, which he had hitherto +held in his hand, into his bosom. "You will rival Master Skelton, the +poet laureate, and your friend Sir Thomas Wyat, too, ere long. But +will it please your lord-ship to quit for a moment the society of the +celestial Nine, and descend to earth, while I inform you that, acting +as your representative, I have given all needful directions for his +majesty's reception to-morrow?" + +"You have not failed, I trust, to give orders to the groom of the +chambers for the lodging of my fair cousin, Mistress Anne Boleyn, +Captain Bouchier?" inquired the Earl of Surrey, with a significant +smile. + +"Assuredly not, my lord!" replied the other, smiling in his turn. "She +will be lodged as royally as if she were Queen of England. Indeed, the +queen's own apartments are assigned her." + +"It is well," rejoined Surrey. "And you have also provided for the +reception of the Pope's legate, Cardinal Campeggio?" + +Bouchier bowed. + +"And for Cardinal Wolsey?" pursued the other. + +The captain bowed again. + +"To save your lordship the necessity of asking any further questions," +he said, "I may state briefly that I have done all as if you had done it +yourself." + +"Be a little more particular, captain, I pray you," said Surrey. + +"Willingly, my lord," replied Bouchier. "In your lord ship's name, then, +as vice-chamberlain, in which character I presented myself, I summoned +together the dean and canons of the College of St. George, the usher of +the black rod, the governor of the alms-knights, and the whole of the +officers of the household, and acquainted them, in a set speech-which, I +flatter myself, was quite equal to any that your lordship, with all your +poetical talents, could have delivered--that the king's highness, being +at Hampton Court with the two cardinals, Wolsey and Campeggio, debating +the matter of divorce from his queen, Catherine of Arragon, proposes to +hold the grand feast of the most noble order of the Garter at this his +castle of Windsor, on Saint George's Day--that is to say, the day after +to-morrow--and that it is therefore his majesty's sovereign pleasure +that the Chapel of St. George, in the said castle, be set forth and +adorned with its richest furniture; that the high altar be hung with +arras representing the patron saint of the order on horseback, and +garnished with the costliest images and ornaments in gold and silver; +that the pulpit be covered with crimson damask, inwrought with +flowers-de-luces of gold, portcullises, and roses; that the royal stall +be canopied with a rich cloth of state, with a haut-pas beneath it of +a foot high; that the stalls of the knights companions be decked with +cloth of tissue, with their scutcheons set at the back; and that all be +ready at the hour of tierce-hora tertia vespertina, as appointed by his +majesty's own statute--at which time the eve of the feast shall be held +to commence." + +"Take breath, captain," laughed the earl. + +"I have no need," replied Bouchier. "Furthermore, I delivered your +lordship's warrant from the lord chamberlain to the usher of the black +rod, to make ready and furnish Saint George's Hall, both for the supper +to-morrow and the grand feast on the following day; and I enjoined the +dean and canons of the college, the alms-knights, and all the other +officers of the order, to be in readiness for the occasion. And now, +having fulfilled my devoir, or rather your lordship's, I am content to +resign my post as vice-chamberlain, to resume my ordinary one, that of +your simple gentleman, and to attend you back to Hampton Court whenever +it shall please you to set forth." + +"And that will not be for an hour, at the least," replied the earl; "for +I intend to take a solitary ramble in the Home Park." + +"What I to seek inspiration for a song--or to meditate upon the charms +of the fair Geraldine, eh, my lord?" rejoined Bouchier. "But I will not +question you too shrewdly. Only let me caution you against going near +Herne's Oak. It is said that the demon hunter walks at nightfall, and +scares, if he does not injure, all those who cross his path. At curfew +toll I must quit the castle, and will then, with your attendants proceed +to the Garter, in Thames Street, where I will await your arrival. If we +reach Hampton Court by midnight, it will be time enough, and as the moon +will rise in an hour, we shall have a pleasant ride." + +"Commend me to Bryan Bowntance, the worthy host of the Garter," said the +earl; "and bid him provide you with a bottle of his best sack in which +to drink my health." + +"Fear me not," replied the other. "And I pray your lordship not to +neglect my caution respecting Herne the Hunter. In sober sooth, I have +heard strange stories of his appearance of late, and should not care to +go near the tree after dark." + +The earl laughed somewhat sceptically, and the captain reiterating his +caution, they separated--Bouchier returning the way he came, and Surrey +proceeding towards a small drawbridge crossing the ditch on the eastern +side of the castle, and forming a means of communication with the Little +Park. He was challenged by a sentinel at the drawbridge, but on giving +the password he was allowed to cross it, and to pass through a gate on +the farther side opening upon the park. + +Brushing the soft and dewy turf with a footstep almost as light and +bounding as that of a fawn, he speeded on for more than a quarter of a +mile, when he reached a noble beech-tree standing at the end of a clump +of timber. A number of rabbits were feeding beneath it, but at his +approach they instantly plunged into their burrows. + +Here he halted to look at the castle. The sun had sunk behind it, +dilating its massive keep to almost its present height and tinging the +summits of the whole line of ramparts and towers, since rebuilt and +known as the Brunswick Tower, the Chester Tower, the Clarence Tower, and +the Victoria Tower, with rosy lustre. + +Flinging himself at the foot of the beech-tree, the youthful earl +indulged his poetical reveries for a short time, and then, rising, +retraced his steps, and in a few minutes the whole of the south side of +the castle lay before him. The view comprehended the two fortifications +recently removed to make way for the York and Lancaster Towers, between +which stood a gate approached by a drawbridge; the Earl Marshal's Tower, +now styled from the monarch in whose reign it was erected, Edward the +Third's Tower; the black rod's lodgings; the Lieutenant's--now Henry the +Third's Tower; the line of embattled walls, constituting the lodgings of +the alms-knights; the tower tenanted by the governor of that body, and +still allotted to the same officer; Henry the Eight's Gateway, and the +Chancellor of the Garter's Tower--the latter terminating the line +of building. A few rosy beams tipped the pinnacles of Saint George's +Chapel, seen behind the towers above-mentioned, with fire; but, with +this exception, the whole of the mighty fabric looked cold and grey. + +At this juncture the upper gate was opened, and Captain Bouchier and his +attendants issued from it, and passed over the drawbridge. The curfew +bell then tolled, the drawbridge was raised, the horsemen disappeared, +and no sound reached the listener's ear except the measured tread of the +sentinels on the ramparts, audible in the profound stillness. + +The youthful earl made no attempt to join his followers, but having +gazed on the ancient pile before him till its battlements and towers +grew dim in the twilight, he struck into a footpath leading across the +park towards Datchet, and pursued it until it brought him near a dell +filled with thorns, hollies, and underwood, and overhung by mighty oaks, +into which he unhesitatingly plunged, and soon gained the deepest part +of it. Here, owing to the thickness of the hollies and the projecting +arms of other large overhanging timber, added to the uncertain light +above, the gloom was almost impervious, and he could scarcely see a +yard before him. Still, he pressed on unhesitatingly, and with a sort of +pleasurable sensation at the difficulties he was encountering. Suddenly, +however, he was startled by a blue phosphoric light streaming through +the bushes on the left, and, looking up, he beheld at the foot of an +enormous oak, whose giant roots protruded like twisted snakes from the +bank, a wild spectral-looking object, possessing some slight resemblance +to humanity, and habited, so far as it could be determined, in the skins +of deer, strangely disposed about its gaunt and tawny-coloured limbs. On +its head was seen a sort of helmet, formed of the skull of a stag, from +which branched a large pair of antlers; from its left arm hung a heavy +and rusty-looking chain, in the links of which burnt the phosphoric fire +before mentioned; while on its right wrist was perched a large horned +owl, with feathers erected, and red staring eyes. + +Impressed with the superstitious feelings common to the age, the young +earl, fully believing he was in the presence of a supernatural being, +could scarcely, despite his courageous nature, which no ordinary matter +would have shaken, repress a cry. Crossing himself, he repeated, with +great fervency, a prayer, against evil spirits, and as he uttered it the +light was extinguished, and the spectral figure vanished. The clanking +of the chain was heard, succeeded by the hooting of the owl; then came a +horrible burst of laughter, then a fearful wail, and all was silent. + +Up to this moment the young earl had stood still, as if spell-bound; but +being now convinced that the spirit had fled, he pressed forward, and, +ere many seconds, emerged from the brake. The full moon was rising as he +issued forth, and illuminating the glades and vistas, and the calmness +and beauty of all around seemed at total variance with the fearful +vision he had just witnessed. Throwing a shuddering glance at the +haunted dell, he was about to hurry towards the castle, when a large, +lightning-scathed, and solitary oak, standing a little distance from +him, attracted his attention. + +This was the very tree connected with the wild legend of Herne the +Hunter, which Captain Bouchier had warned him not to approach, and he +now forcibly recalled the caution. Beneath it he perceived a figure, +which he at first took for that of the spectral hunter; but his fears +were relieved by a shout from the person, who at the same moment +appeared to catch sight of him. + +Satisfied that, in the present instance, he had to do with a being of +this world, Surrey ran towards the tree, and on approaching it +perceived that the object of his alarm was a young man of very athletic +proportions, and evidently, from his garb, a keeper of the forest. + +He was habited in a jerkin of Lincoln green cloth, with the royal badge +woven in silver on the breast, and his head was protected by a flat +green cloth cap, ornamented with a pheasant's tail. Under his right +arm he carried a crossbow; a long silver-tipped horn was slung in +his baldric; and he was armed with a short hanger, or wood-knife. His +features were harsh and prominent; and he had black beetling brows, a +large coarse mouth, and dark eyes, lighted up with a very sinister and +malignant expression. + +He was attended by a large savage-looking staghound, whom he addressed +as Bawsey, and whose fierceness had to be restrained as Surrey +approached. + +"Have you seen anything?" he demanded of the earl. + +"I have seen Herne the Hunter himself, or the fiend in his likeness," +replied Surrey. + +And he briefly related the vision he had beheld. + +"Ay, ay, you have seen the demon hunter, no doubt," replied the keeper +at the close of the recital. "I neither saw the light, nor heard the +laughter, nor the wailing cry you speak of; but Bawsey crouched at my +feet and whined, and I knew some evil thing was at hand. Heaven shield +us!" he exclaimed, as the hound crouched at his feet, and directed her +gaze towards the oak, uttering a low ominous whine, "she is at the same +trick again." + +The earl glanced in the same direction, and half expected to see the +knotted trunk of the tree burst open and disclose the figure of the +spectral hunter. But nothing was visible--at least, to him, though it +would seem from the shaking limbs, fixed eyes, and ghastly visage of the +keeper, that some appalling object was presented to his gaze. + +"Do you not see him?" cried the latter at length, in thrilling accents; +"he is circling the tree, and blasting it. There! he passes us now--do +you not see him?" + +"No," replied Surrey; "but do not let us tarry here longer." + +So saying he laid his hand upon the keeper's arm. The touch seemed to +rouse him to exertion: He uttered a fearful cry, and set off at a quick +pace along the park, followed by Bawsey, with her tail between her legs. +The earl kept up with him, and neither halted till they had left the +wizard oak at a considerable distance behind them. + +"And so you did not see him?" said the keeper, in a tone of exhaustion, +as he wiped the thick drops from his brow. + +"I did not," replied Surrey. + +"That is passing strange," rejoined the other. "I myself have seen him +before, but never as he appeared to-night." + +"You are a keeper of the forest, I presume, friend?" said Surrey. "How +are you named?" + +"I am called Morgan Fenwolf," replied the keeper; "and you?" + +"I am the Earl of Surrey;' returned the young noble. + +"What!" exclaimed Fenwolf, making a reverence, "the son to his grace of +Norfolk?" + +The earl replied in the affirmative. + +"Why, then, you must be the young nobleman whom I used to see so often +with the king's son, the Duke of Richmond, three or four years ago, +at the castle?" rejoined Fenwolf "You are altogether grown out of my +recollection." + +"Not unlikely," returned the earl. "I have been at Oxford, and have only +just completed my studies. This is the first time I have been at Windsor +since the period you mention." + +"I have heard that the Duke of Richmond was at Oxford likewise," +observed Fenwolf. + +"We were at Cardinal College together," replied Surrey. "But the duke's +term was completed before mine. He is my senior by three years." + +"I suppose your lordship is returning to the castle?" said Fenwolf. + +"No," replied Surrey. "My attendants are waiting for me at the Garter, +and if you will accompany me thither, I will bestow a cup of good ale +upon you to recruit you after the fright you have undergone." + +Fenwolf signified his graceful acquiescence, and they walked on in +silence, for the earl could not help dwelling upon the vision he had +witnessed, and his companion appeared equally abstracted. In this sort +they descended the hill near Henry the Eighth's Gate, and entered Thames +Street. + + + + +II. + + Of Bryan Bowntance, the Host of the Garter--Of the Duke of + Shoreditch--Of the Bold Words uttered by Mark Fytton, the + Butcher, and how he was cast into the Vault of the Curfew + Tower. + + +Turning off on the right, the earl and his companion continued to +descend the hill until they came in sight of the Garter--a snug little +hostel, situated immediately beneath the Curfew Tower. + +Before the porch were grouped the earl's attendants, most of whom +had dismounted, and were holding their steeds by the bridles. At +this juncture the door of the hostel opened, and a fat jolly-looking +personage, with a bald head and bushy grey beard, and clad in a brown +serge doublet, and hose to match, issued forth, bearing a foaming jug of +ale and a horn cup. His appearance was welcomed by a joyful shout from +the attendants. + +"Come, my masters!" he cried, filling the horn, "here is a cup of stout +Windsor ale in which to drink the health of our jolly monarch, bluff +King Hal; and there's no harm, I trust, in calling him so." + +"Marry, is there not, mine host;" cried the foremost attendant. "I spoke +of him as such in his own hearing not long ago, and he laughed at me +in right merry sort. I love the royal bully, and will drink his health +gladly, and Mistress Anne Boleyn's to boot." + +And he emptied the horn. + +"They tell me Mistress Anne Boleyn is coming to Windsor with the king +and the knights-companions to-morrow--is it so?" asked the host, again +filling the horn, and handing it to another attendant. + +The person addressed nodded, but he was too much engrossed by the horn +to speak. + +"Then there will be rare doings in the castle," chuckled the host; "and +many a lusty pot will be drained at the Garter. Alack-a-day! how times +are changed since I, Bryan Bowntance, first stepped into my father's +shoes, and became host of the Garter. It was in 1501--twenty-eight years +ago--when King Henry the Seventh, of blessed memory, ruled the land, and +when his elder son, Prince Arthur, was alive likewise. In that year the +young prince espoused Catherine of Arragon, our present queen, and soon +afterwards died; whereupon the old king, not liking--for he loved his +treasure better than his own flesh--to part with her dowry, gave her to +his second son, Henry, our gracious sovereign, whom God preserve! Folks +said then the match wouldn't come to good; and now we find they spoke +the truth, for it is likely to end in a divorce." + +"Not so loud, mine host!" cried the foremost attendant; "here comes our +young master, the Earl of Surrey." + +"Well, I care not," replied the host bluffly. "I've spoken no treason. +I love my king; and if he wishes to have a divorce, I hope his holiness +the Pope will grant him one, that's all." + +As he said this, a loud noise was heard within the hostel, and a man was +suddenly and so forcibly driven forth, that he almost knocked down Bryan +Bowntance, who was rushing in to see what was the matter. The person +thus ejected, who was a powerfully-built young man, in a leathern +doublet, with his muscular arms bared to the shoulder, turned his rage +upon the host, and seized him by the throat with a grip that threatened +him with strangulation. Indeed, but for the intervention of the earl's +attendants, who rushed to his assistance, such might have been his fate. +As soon as he was liberated, Bryan cried in a voice of mingled rage and +surprise to his assailant, "Why, what's the matter, Mark Fytton?--are +you gone mad, or do you mistake me for a sheep or a bullock, that you +attack me in this fashion? My strong ale must have got into your addle +pate with a vengeance. + +"The knave has been speaking treason of the king's highness," said the +tall man, whose doublet and hose of the finest green cloth, as well as +the how and quiverful of arrows at his back, proclaimed him an +archer--"and therefore we turned him out!" + +"And you did well, Captain Barlow," cried the host. + +"Call me rather the Duke of Shoreditch," rejoined the tall archer; "for +since his majesty conferred the title upon me, though it were but in +jest, when I won this silver bugle, I shall ever claim it. I am always +designated by my neighbours in Shoreditch as his grace; and I require +the same attention at your hands. To-morrow I shall have my comrades, +the Marquises of Clerkenwell, Islington, Hogsden, Pancras, and +Paddington, with me, and then you will see the gallant figure we shall +cut." + +"I crave your grace's pardon for my want of respect," replied the host. +"I am not ignorant of the distinction conferred upon you at the last +match at the castle butts by the king. But to the matter in hand. What +treason hath Mark Fytton, the butcher, been talking?" + +"I care not to repeat his words, mine host," replied the duke; "but +he hath spoken in unbecoming terms of his highness and Mistress Anne +Boleyn." + +"He means not what he says," rejoined the host. "He is a loyal subject +of the king; but he is apt to get quarrelsome over his cups." + +"Well said, honest Bryan," cried the duke; "you have one quality of a +good landlord--that of a peacemaker. Give the knave a cup of ale, and +let him wash down his foul words in a health to the king, wishing him a +speedy divorce and a new queen, and he shall then sit among us again." + +"I do not desire to sit with you, you self-dubbed duke," rejoined Mark; +"but if you will doff your fine jerkin, and stand up with me on the +green, I will give you cause to remember laying hands on me." + +"Well challenged, bold butcher!" cried one of Surrey's attendants. "You +shall be made a duke yourself." + +"Or a cardinal," cried Mark. "I should not be the first of my brethren +who has met with such preferment." + +"He derides the Church in the person of Cardinal Wolsey!" cried the +duke. "He is a blasphemer as well as traitor." + +"Drink the king's health in a full cup, Mark," interposed the host, +anxious to set matters aright, "and keep your mischievous tongue between +your teeth." + +"Beshrew me if I drink the king's health, or that of his minion, Anne +Boleyn!" cried Mark boldly. "But I will tell you what I will drink. +I will drink the health of King Henry's lawful consort, Catherine +of Arragon; and I will add to it a wish that the Pope may forge her +marriage chains to her royal husband faster than ever." + +"A foolish wish," cried Bryan. "Why, Mark, you are clean crazed!" + +"It is the king who is crazed, not me!" cried Mark. "He would sacrifice +his rightful consort to his unlawful passion; and you, base hirelings, +support the tyrant in his wrongful conduct!" + +"Saints protect us!" exclaimed Bryan. "Why, this is flat treason. Mark, +I can no longer uphold you." + +"Not if you do not desire to share his prison, mine host," cried the +Duke of Shoreditch. "You have all heard him call the king a tyrant. +Seize him, my masters!" + +"Let them lay hands upon me if they dare!" cried the butcher resolutely. +"I have felled an ox with a blow of my fist before this, and I promise +you I will show them no better treatment." + +Awed by Mark's determined manner, the bystanders kept aloof. + +"I command you, in the king's name, to seize him!" roared Shoreditch. +"If he offers resistance he will assuredly be hanged." + +"No one shall touch me!" cried Mark fiercely. + +"That remains to be seen," said the foremost of the Earl of Surrey's +attendants. "Yield, fellow!" + +"Never!" replied Mark; "and I warn you to keep off." + +The attendant, however, advanced; but before he could lay hands on the +butcher he received a blow from his ox-like fist that sent him reeling +backwards for several paces, and finally stretched him at full length +upon the ground. His companions drew their swords, and would have +instantly fallen upon the sturdy offender, if Morgan Fenwolf, who, with +the Earl of Surrey, was standing among the spectators, had not rushed +forward, and, closing with Mark before the latter could strike a blow, +grappled with him, and held him fast till he was secured, and his arms +tied behind him. + +"And so it is you, Morgan Fenwolf, who have served me this ill turn, +eh?" cried the butcher, regarding him fiercely. "I now believe all I +have heard of you." + +"What have you heard of him?" asked Surrey, advancing. + +"That he has dealings with the fiend--with Herne the Hunter," replied +Mark. "If I am hanged for a traitor, he ought to be burnt for a wizard." + +"Heed not what the villain says, my good fellow," said the Duke of +Shoreditch; "you have captured him bravely, and I will take care your +conduct is duly reported to his majesty. To the castle with him! To +the castle! He will lodge to-night in the deepest dungeon of yon +fortification," pointing to the Curfew Tower above them, "there to await +the king's judgment; and to-morrow night it will be well for him if he +is not swinging from the gibbet near the bridge. Bring him along." + +And followed by Morgan Fenwolf and the others, with the prisoner, he +strode up the hill. + +Long before this Captain Bouchier had issued from the hostel and joined +the earl, and they walked together after the crowd. In a few minutes the +Duke of Shoreditch reached Henry the Eighth's Gate, where he shouted to +a sentinel, and told him what had occurred. After some delay a wicket in +the gate was opened, and the chief persons of the party were allowed to +pass through it with the prisoner, who was assigned to the custody of a +couple of arquebusiers. + +By this time an officer had arrived, and it was agreed, at the +suggestion of the Duke of Shoreditch, to take the offender to the Curfew +Tower. Accordingly they crossed the lower ward, and passing beneath an +archway near the semicircular range of habitations allotted to the +petty canons, traversed the space before the west end of Saint George's +Chapel, and descending a short flight of stone steps at the left, and +threading a narrow passage, presently arrived at the arched entrance in +the Curfew, whose hoary walls shone brightly in the moonlight. + +They had to knock for some time against the stout oak door before any +notice was taken of the summons. At length an old man, who acted as +bellringer, thrust his head out of one of the narrow pointed windows +above, and demanded their business. Satisfied with the reply, he +descended, and, opening the door, admitted them into a lofty chamber, +the roof of which was composed of stout planks, crossed by heavy oaken +rafters, and supported by beams of the same material. On the left a +steep ladder-like flight of wooden steps led to an upper room, and from +a hole in the roof descended a bell-rope, which was fastened to one of +the beams, showing the use to which the chamber was put. + +Some further consultation was now held among the party as to the +propriety of leaving the prisoner in this chamber under the guard of the +arquebusiers, but it was at last decided against doing so, and the old +bellringer being called upon for the keys of the dungeon beneath, he +speedily produced them. They then went forth, and descending a flight of +stone steps on the left, came to a low strong door, which they unlocked, +and obtained admission to a large octangular chamber with a vaulted +roof, and deep embrasures terminated by narrow loopholes. The light of +a lamp carried by the bellringer showed the dreary extent of the vault, +and the enormous thickness of its walls. + +"A night's solitary confinement in this place will be of infinite +service to our prisoner," said the Duke of Shoreditch, gazing around. +"I'll be sworn he is ready to bite off the foolish tongue that has +brought him to such a pass." + +The butcher made no reply, but being released by the arquebusiers, sat +down upon a bench that constituted the sole furniture of the vault. + +"Shall I leave him the lamp?" asked the bellringer; "he may beguile the +time by reading the names of former prisoners scratched on the walls and +in the embrasures." + +"No; he shall not even have that miserable satisfaction," returned the +Duke of Shoreditch. "He shall be left in the darkness to his own bad and +bitter thoughts." + +With this the party withdrew, and the door was fastened upon the +prisoner. An arquebusier was stationed at the foot of the steps; and +the Earl of Surrey and Captain Bouchier having fully satisfied their +curiosity, shaped their course towards the castle gate. On their way +thither the earl looked about for Morgan Fenwolf, but could nowhere +discern him. He then passed through the wicket with Bouchier, and +proceeding to the Garter, they mounted their steeds, and galloped off +towards Datchet, and thence to Staines and Hampton Court. + + + + +III. + + Of the Grand Procession to Windsor Castle--Of the Meeting of + King Henry the Eighth and Anne Boleyn at the Lower Gate-Of + their Entrance into the Castle--And how the Butcher was + Hanged from the Curfew Tower. + + +A joyous day was it for Windsor and great were the preparations made by +its loyal inhabitants for a suitable reception to their sovereign. At +an early hour the town was thronged with strangers from the neighbouring +villages, and later on crowds began to arrive from London, some having +come along the highway on horseback, and others having rowed in various +craft up the river. All were clad in holiday attire, and the streets +presented an appearance of unwonted bustle and gaiety. The Maypole +in Bachelors' Acre was hung with flowers. Several booths, with flags +floating above them, were erected in the same place, where ale, mead, +and hypocras, together with cold pasties, hams, capons, and large joints +of beef and mutton, might be obtained. Mummers and minstrels were in +attendance, and every kind of diversion was going forward. Here was one +party wrestling; there another, casting the bar; on this side a set +of rustics were dancing a merry round with a bevy of buxom Berkshire +lasses; on that stood a fourth group, listening to a youth playing on +the recorders. At one end of the Acre large fires were lighted, before +which two whole oxen were roasting, provided in honour of the occasion +by the mayor and burgesses of the town; at the other, butts were set +against which the Duke of Shoreditch and his companions, the five +marquises, were practising. The duke himself shot admirably, and never +failed to hit the bulls-eye; but the great feat of the day was performed +by Morgan Fenwolf, who thrice split the duke's shafts as they stuck in +the mark. + +"Well done!" cried the duke, as he witnessed the achievement; "why, you +shoot as bravely as Herne the Hunter. Old wives tell us he used to split +the arrows of his comrades in that fashion." + +"He must have learnt the trick from Herne himself in the forest," cried +one of the bystanders. + +Morgan Fenwolf looked fiercely round in search of the speaker, but +could not discern him. He, however, shot no more, and refusing a cup of +hypocras offered him by Shoreditch, disappeared among the crowd. + +Soon after this the booths were emptied, the bar thrown down, the +Maypole and the butts deserted, and the whole of Bachelors' Acre cleared +of its occupants--except those who were compelled to attend to the +mighty spits turning before the fires--by the loud discharge of ordnance +from the castle gates, accompanied by the ringing of bells, announcing +that the mayor and burgesses of Windsor, together with the officers of +the Order of the Garter, were setting forth to Datchet Bridge to meet +the royal procession. + +Those who most promptly obeyed this summons beheld the lower castle +gate, built by the then reigning monarch, open, while from it issued +four trumpeters clad in emblazoned coats, with silken bandrols depending +from their horns, blowing loud fanfares. They were followed by twelve +henchmen, walking four abreast, arrayed in scarlet tunics, with the +royal cypher H.R. worked in gold on the breast, and carrying gilt +poleaxes over their shoulders. Next came a company of archers, equipped +in helm and brigandine, and armed with long pikes, glittering, as did +their steel accoutrements, in the bright sunshine. They were succeeded +by the bailiffs and burgesses of the town, riding three abreast, and +enveloped in gowns of scarlet cloth; after which rode the mayor of +Windsor in a gown of crimson velvet, and attended by two footmen, in +white and red damask, carrying white wands. The mayor was followed by a +company of the town guard, with partisans over the shoulders. Then +came the sheriff of the county and his attendants. Next followed the +twenty-six alms-knights (for such was their number), walking two and +two, and wearing red mantles, with a scutcheon of Saint George on the +shoulder, but without the garter surrounding it. Then came the thirteen +petty canons, in murrey-coloured gowns, with the arms of Saint George +wrought in a roundel on the shoulder; then the twelve canons, similarly +attired; and lastly the dean of the college, in his cope. + +A slight pause ensued, and the chief officers of the Garter made their +appearance. First walked the Black Rod, clothed in a russet-coloured +mantle, faced with alternate panes of blue and red, emblazoned with +flower-de-luces of gold and crowned lions. He carried a small black rod, +the ensign of his office, surmounted with the lion of England in silver. +After the Black Rod came the Garter, habited in a gown of crimson satin, +paned and emblazoned like that of the officer who preceded him, hearing +a white crown with a sceptre upon it, and having a gilt crown in lieu +of a cap upon his head. The Garter was followed by the register, a +grave personage, in a black gown, with a surplice over it, covered by a +mantelet of furs. Then came the chancellor of the Order, in his robe of +murrey-coloured velvet lined with sarcenet, with a badge on the shoulder +consisting of a gold rose, enclosed in a garter wrought with pearls of +damask gold. Lastly came the Bishop of Winchester, the prelate of the +Order, wearing his mitre, and habited in a robe of crimson velvet +lined with white taffeta, faced with blue, and embroidered on the right +shoulder with a scutcheon of Saint George, encompassed with the Garter, +and adorned with cordons of blue silk mingled with gold. + +Brought up by a rear guard of halberdiers, the procession moved slowly +along Thames Street, the houses of which, as well as those in Peascod +Street, were all more or less decorated--the humbler sort being covered +with branches of trees, intermingled with garlands of flowers, while the +better description was hung with pieces of tapestry, carpets, and +rich stuffs. Nor should it pass unnoticed that the loyalty of Bryan +Bowntance, the host of the Garter, had exhibited itself in an arch +thrown across the road opposite his house, adorned with various +coloured ribbons and flowers, in the midst of which was a large shield, +exhibiting the letters, b. and h. (in mystic allusion to Henry and Anne +Boleyn) intermingled and surrounded by love-knots. + +Turning off on the left into the lower road, skirting the north of the +castle, and following the course of the river to Datchet, by which +it was understood the royal cavalcade would make its approach, the +procession arrived at an open space by the side of the river, where it +came to a halt, and the dean, chancellor, and prelate, together with +other officers of the Garter, embarked in a barge moored to the bank, +which was towed slowly down the stream in the direction of Datchet +Bridge--a band of minstrels stationed within it playing all the time. + +Meanwhile the rest of the cavalcade, having again set for ward, pursued +their course along the banks of the river, proceeding at a foot's pace, +and accompanied by crowds of spectators, cheering them as they moved +along. The day was bright and beautiful, and nothing was wanting to +enhance the beauty of the spectacle. On the left flowed the silver +Thames, crowded with craft, filled with richly-dressed personages of +both sexes, amid which floated the pompous barge appropriated to the +officers of the Garter, which was hung with banners and streamers, and +decorated at the sides with targets, emblazoned with the arms of +St. George. On the greensward edging the stream marched a brilliant +cavalcade, and on the right lay the old woods of the Home Park, with +long vistas opening through them, giving exquisite peeps of the towers +and battlements of the castle. + +Half an hour brought the cavalcade to Datchet Bridge, at the foot of +which a pavilion was erected for the accommodation of the mayor and +burgesses. And here, having dismounted, they awaited the king's arrival. + +Shortly after this a cloud of dust on the Staines Road seemed to +announce the approach of the royal party, and all rushed forth and held +themselves in readiness to meet it. But the dust appeared to have been +raised by a company of horsemen, headed by Captain Bouchier, who rode up +the next moment. Courteously saluting the mayor, Bouchier informed him +that Mistress Anne Boleyn was close behind, and that it was the king's +pleasure that she should be attended in all state to the lower gate of +the castle, there to await his coming, as he himself intended to enter +it with her. The mayor replied that the sovereign's behests should be +implicitly obeyed, and he thereupon stationed himself at the farther +side of the bridge in expectation of Anne Boleyn's arrival. + +Presently the sound of trumpets smote his ear, and a numerous and +splendid retinue was seen advancing, consisting of nobles, knights, +esquires, and gentlemen, ranged according to their degrees, and all +sumptuously apparelled in cloths of gold and silver, and velvets of +various colours, richly embroidered. Besides these, there were pages +and other attendants in the liveries of their masters, together with +sergeants of the guard and henchmen in their full accoutrements. +Among the nobles were the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk--the king being +desirous of honouring as much as possible her whom he had resolved to +make his queen. The former was clothed in tissue, embroidered with roses +of gold, with a baldric across his body of massive gold, and was mounted +on a charger likewise trapped in gold; and the latter wore a mantle of +cloth of silver, pounced in the form of letters, and lined with blue +velvet, while his horse was trapped hardwise in harness embroidered with +bullion gold curiously wrought. Both also wore the collar of the Order +of the Garter. Near them rode Sir Thomas Boleyn, who, conscious of the +dignity to which his daughter was to be advanced, comported himself with +almost intolerable haughtiness. + +Immediately behind Sir Thomas Boleyn came a sumptuous litter covered +with cloth of gold, drawn by four white palfreys caparisoned in white +damask down to the ground, and each having a page in white and blue +satin at its head. Over the litter was borne a canopy of cloth of gold +supported by four gilt staves, and ornamented at the corners with silver +bells, ringing forth sweet music as it moved along. Each staff was borne +by a knight, of whom sixteen were in attendance to relieve one another +when fatigued. + +In this litter sat Anne Boleyn. She wore a surcoat of white tissue, +and a mantle of the same material lined with ermine. Her gown, which, +however, was now concealed by the surcoat, was of cloth of gold tissue, +raised with pearls of silver damask, with a stomacher of purple gold +similarly raised, and large open sleeves lined with chequered tissue. +Around her neck she wore a chain of orient pearls, from which depended +a diamond cross. A black velvet cap, richly embroidered with pearls and +other precious stones, and ornamented with a small white plume, covered +her head; and her small feet were hidden in blue velvet brodequins, +decorated with diamond stars. + +Anne Boleyn's features were exquisitely formed, and though not regular, +far more charming than if they had been so. Her nose was slightly +aquiline, but not enough so to detract from its beauty, and had a little +retrousse; point that completed its attraction. The rest of her features +were delicately chiselled: the chin being beautifully rounded, the brow +smooth and white as snow, while the rose could not vie with the bloom of +her cheek. Her neck--alas! that the fell hand of the executioner should +ever touch it--was long and slender, her eyes large and blue, and of +irresistible witchery--sometimes scorching the beholder like a sunbeam, +anon melting him with soul-subduing softness. + +Of her accomplishments other opportunities will be found to speak; but +it may be mentioned that she was skilled on many instruments, danced and +sang divinely, and had rare powers of conversation and wit. If to these +she had not added the dangerous desire to please, and the wish to hold +other hearts than the royal one she had enslaved, in thraldom, all +might, perhaps, have been well. But, alas like many other beautiful +women, she had a strong tendency to coquetry. How severely she suffered +for it, it is the purpose of this history to relate. An excellent +description of her has been given by a contemporary writer, the Comte de +Chateaubriand, who, while somewhat disparaging her personal attractions, +speaks in rapturous terms of her accomplishments: "Anne," writes +the Comte, "avait un esprit si deslie qui c'estoit a qui l'ouiroit +desgoiser; et ci venoitelle a poetiser, telle qu' Orpheus, elle eust +faict les ours et rochers attentifs: puis saltoit, balloit, et dancoit +toutes dances Anglaises ou Estranges, et en imagina nombre qui ont garde +son nom ou celluy du galant pour qui les feit: puis scavoit tous les +jeux, qu'elle jouoit avec non plus d'heur que d'habilite puis chantoit +comme syrene, s'accompagnant de luth; harpoit mieueix que le roy David, +et manioit fort gentilment fleuste et rebec; puis s'accoustroit de tant +et si merveilleuses facons, que ses inventions, faisoient d'elle le +parangon de toutes des dames les plus sucrees de la court; mais nulle +n'avoit sa grace, laquelle, au dire d'un ancien, passe venuste'." Such +was the opinion of one who knew her well during her residence at the +French court, when in attendance on Mary of England, consort of Louis +XII., and afterwards Duchess of Suffolk. + +At this moment Anne's eyes were fixed with some tenderness upon one of +the supporters of her canopy on the right--a very handsome young man, +attired in a doublet and hose of black tylsent, paned and cut, and +whose tall, well-proportioned figure was seen to the greatest advantage, +inasmuch as he had divested himself of his mantle, for his better +convenience in walking. + +"I fear me you will fatigue yourself, Sir Thomas Wyat," said Anne +Boleyn, in tones of musical sweetness, which made the heart beat and the +colour mount to the cheeks of him she addressed. "You had better allow +Sir Thomas Arundel or Sir John Hulstone to relieve you." + +"I can feel no fatigue when near you, madam," replied Wyat, in a low +tone. + +A slight blush overspread Anne's features, and she raised her +embroidered kerchief to her lips. + +"If I had that kerchief I would wear it at the next lists, and defy all +comers," said Wyat. + +"You shall have it, then," rejoined Anne. "I love all chivalrous +exploits, and will do my best to encourage them." + +"Take heed, Sir Thomas," said Sir Francis Weston, the knight who held +the staff on the other side, "or we shall have the canopy down. Let Sir +Thomas Arundel relieve you." + +"No," rejoined Wyat, recovering himself; "I will not rest till we come +to the bridge." + +"You are in no haste to possess the kerchief," said Anne petulantly. + +"There you wrong me, madam!" cried Sir Thomas eagerly. + +"What ho, good fellows!" he shouted to the attendants at the palfreys' +heads, "your lady desires you to stop." + +"And I desire them to go on--I, Will Sommers, jester to the high and +mighty King Harry the Eighth!" cried a voice of mock authority behind +the knight. "What if Sir Thomas Wyat has undertaken to carry the canopy +farther than any of his companions, is that a reason he should be +relieved? Of a surety not--go on, I say!" + +The person who thus spoke then stepped forward, and threw a glance so +full of significance at Anne Boleyn that she did not care to dispute the +order, but, on the contrary, laughingly acquiesced in it. + +Will Sommers--the king's jester, as he described himself--was a small +middle-aged personage, with a physiognomy in which good nature and +malice, folly and shrewdness, were so oddly blended, that it was +difficult to say which predominated. His look was cunning and sarcastic, +but it was tempered by great drollery and oddity of manner, and he +laughed so heartily at his own jests and jibes, that it was scarcely +possible to help joining him. His attire consisted of a long loose gown +of spotted crimson silk, with the royal cipher woven in front in gold; +hose of blue cloth, guarded with red and black cloth; and red cordovan +buskins. A sash tied round his waist served him instead of a girdle, and +he wore a trencher-shaped velvet cap on his head, with a white tufted +feather in it. In his hand he carried a small horn. He was generally +attended by a monkey, habited in a crimson doublet and hood, which sat +upon his shoulder, and played very diverting tricks, but the animal was +not with him on the present occasion. + +Will Sommers was a great favourite with the king, and ventured upon +familiarities which no one else dared to use with him. The favour in +which he stood with his royal master procured him admittance to his +presence at all hours and at all seasons, and his influence, though +seldom exerted, was very great. He was especially serviceable in turning +aside the edge of the king's displeasure, and more frequently exerted +himself to allay the storm than to raise it. His principal hostility was +directed against Wolsey, whose arrogance and grasping practices were the +constant subjects of his railing. It was seldom, such was his privileged +character, and the protection he enjoyed from the sovereign, that any of +the courtiers resented his remarks; but Sir Thomas Wyat's feelings being +now deeply interested, he turned sharply round, and said, "How now, thou +meddling varlet, what business hast thou to interfere?" + +"I interfere to prove my authority, gossip Wyat," replied Sommers, +"and to show that, varlet as I am, I am as powerful as Mistress Anne +Boleyn--nay, that I am yet more powerful, because I am obeyed, while she +is not." + +"Were I at liberty," said Sir Thomas angrily, "I would make thee repent +thine insolence." + +"But thou art not at liberty, good gossip," replied the jester, +screaming with laughter; "thou art tied like a slave to the oar, and +cannot free thyself from it--ha! ha!" Having enjoyed the knight's +discomposure for a few seconds, he advanced towards him, and whispered +in his ear, "Don't mistake me, gossip. I have done thee good service in +preventing thee from taking that kerchief. Hadst thou received it in the +presence of these witnesses, thou wouldst have been lodged in the +Round Tower of Windsor Castle to-morrow, instead of feasting with the +knights-companions in Saint George's Hall." + +"I believe thou art right, gossip," said Wyat in the same tone. + +"Rest assured I am," replied Sommers; "and I further more counsel thee to +decline this dangerous gift altogether, and to think no more of the fair +profferer, or if thou must think of her, let it be as of one beyond thy +reach. Cross not the lion's path; take a friendly hint from the jackal." + +And without waiting for a reply, he darted away, and mingled with the +cavalcade in the rear. + +Immediately behind Anne Boleyn's litter rode a company of henchmen of +the royal household, armed with gilt partisans. Next succeeded a +chariot covered with red cloth of gold, and drawn by four horses +richly caparisoned, containing the old Duchess of Norfolk and the old +Marchioness of Dorset. Then came the king's natural son, the Duke of +Richmond--a young man formed on the same large scale, and distinguished +by the same haughty port, and the same bluff manner, as his royal +sire. The duke's mother was the Lady Talboys, esteemed one of the +most beautiful women of the age, and who had for a long time held +the capricious monarch captive. Henry was warmly attached to his son, +showered favours without number upon him, and might have done yet more +if fate had not snatched him away at an early age. + +Though scarcely eighteen, the Duke of Richmond looked more than +twenty, and his lips and chin were clothed with a well-grown though +closely-clipped beard. He was magnificently habited in a doublet of +cloth of gold of bawdekin, the placard and sleeves of which were wrought +with flat gold, and fastened with aiglets. A girdle of crimson velvet, +enriched with precious stones, encircled his waist, and sustained a +poniard and a Toledo sword, damascened with gold. Over all he wore a +loose robe, or housse, of scarlet mohair, trimmed with minever, and was +further decorated with the collar of the Order of the Garter. His +cap was of white velvet, ornamented with emeralds, and from the side +depended a small azure plume. He rode a magnificent black charger, +trapped in housings of cloth of gold, powdered with ermine. + +By the duke's side rode the Earl of Surrey attired--as upon the previous +day, and mounted on a fiery Arabian, trapped in crimson velvet fringed +with Venetian gold. Both nobles were attended by their esquires in their +liveries. + +Behind them came a chariot covered with cloth of silver, and drawn, +like the first, by four horses in rich housings, containing two very +beautiful damsels, one of whom attracted so much of the attention of +the youthful nobles, that it was with difficulty they could preserve due +order of march. The young dame in question was about seventeen; her face +was oval in form, with features of the utmost delicacy and regularity. +Her complexion was fair and pale, and contrasted strikingly with her +jetty brows and magnificent black eyes, of oriental size, tenderness, +and lustre. Her dark and luxuriant tresses were confined by a cap of +black velvet faced with white satin, and ornamented with pearls. Her +gown was of white satin worked with gold, and had long open pendent +sleeves, while from her slender and marble neck hung a cordeliere--a +species of necklace imitated from the cord worn by Franciscan friars, +and formed of crimson silk twisted with threads of Venetian gold.. + +This fair creature was the Lady Elizabeth Fitzgerald, daughter of Gerald +Fitzgerald, ninth Earl of Kildare, who claimed descent from the Geraldi +family of Florence; but she was generally known by the appellation of +the Fair Geraldine--a title bestowed upon her, on account of her beauty, +by the king, and by which she still lives, and will continue to live, as +long as poetry endures, in the deathless and enchanting strains of her +lover, the Earl of Surrey. At the instance of her mother, Lady Kildare, +the Fair Geraldine was brought up with the Princess Mary, afterwards +Queen of England; but she had been lately assigned by the royal order as +one of the attendants--a post equivalent to that of maid of honour--to +Anne Boleyn. + +Her companion was the Lady Mary Howard, the sister of the Earl of +Surrey, a nymph about her own age, and possessed of great personal +attractions, having nobly-formed features, radiant blue eyes, light +tresses, and a complexion of dazzling clearness. Lady Mary Howard +nourished a passion for the Duke of Richmond, whom she saw with secret +chagrin captivated by the superior charms of the Fair Geraldine. Her +uneasiness, however, was in some degree abated by the knowledge, which +as confidante of the latter she had obtained, that her brother was +master of her heart. Lady Mary was dressed in blue velvet, cut and lined +with cloth of gold, and wore a headgear of white velvet, ornamented with +pearls. + +Just as the cavalcade came in sight of Datchet Bridge, the Duke of +Richmond turned his horse's head, and rode up to the side of the chariot +on which the Fair Geraldine was sitting. + +"I am come to tell you of a marvellous adventure that befell Surrey in +the Home Park at Windsor last night," he said. "He declares he has seen +the demon hunter, Herne." + +"Then pray let the Earl of Surrey relate the adventure to us himself," +replied the Fair Geraldine. "No one can tell a story so well as the hero +of it." + +The duke signed to the youthful earl, who was glancing rather wistfully +at them, and he immediately joined them, while Richmond passed over to +the Lady Mary Howard. Surrey then proceeded to relate what had happened +to him in the park, and the fair Geraldine listened to his recital with +breathless interest. + +"Heaven shield us from evil spirits!" she exclaimed, crossing herself. +"But what is the history of this wicked hunter, my lord? and why did he +incur such a dreadful doom?" + +"I know nothing more than that he was a keeper in the forest, who, +having committed some heinous crime, hanged himself from a branch of the +oak beneath which I found the keeper, Morgan Fenwolf, and which still +bears his name," replied the earl. "For this unrighteous act he cannot +obtain rest, but is condemned to wander through the forest at midnight, +where he wreaks his vengeance in blasting the trees." + +"The legend I have heard differs from yours," observed the Duke of +Richmond: "it runs that the spirit by which the forest is haunted is a +wood-demon, who assumes the shape of the ghostly hunter, and seeks to +tempt or terrify the keepers to sell their souls to him." + +"Your grace's legend is the better of the two," said Lady Mary Howard, +"or rather, I should say, the more probable. I trust the evil spirit did +not make you any such offer, brother of Surrey?" + +The earl gravely shook his head. + +"If I were to meet him, and he offered me my heart's dearest wish, I +fear he would prevail with me," observed the duke, glancing tenderly at +the Fair Geraldine. + +"Tush!--the subject is too serious for jesting, Richmond," said Surrey +almost sternly. + +"His grace, as is usual in compacts with the fiend, might have reason to +rue his bargain," observed Lady Mary Howard peevishly. + +"If the Earl of Surrey were my brother," remarked the Fair Geraldine +to the Lady Mary, "I would interdict him from roaming in the park after +nightfall." + +"He is very wilful," said Lady Mary, smiling, "and holds my commands but +lightly." + +"Let the Fair Geraldine lay hers upon me, and she shall not have to +reproach me with disobedience," rejoined the earl. + +"I must interpose to prevent their utterance," cried Richmond, with a +somewhat jealous look at his friend, "for I have determined to know more +of this mystery, and shall require the earl's assistance to unravel it. +I think I remember Morgan Fenwolf, the keeper, and will send for him to +the castle, and question him. But in any case, I and Surrey will visit +Herne's Oak to-night." + +The remonstrances of both ladies were interrupted by the sudden +appearance of Will Sommers. + +"What ho! my lords--to your places! to your places!" cried the jester, +in a shrill angry voice. "See ye not we are close upon Datchet Bridge? +Ye can converse with these fair dames at a more fitting season; but it +is the king's pleasure that the cavalcade should make a goodly show. To +your places, I say!" + +Laughing at the jester's peremptory injunction, the two young nobles +nevertheless obeyed it, and, bending almost to the saddle-bow to the +ladies, resumed their posts. + +The concourse assembled on Datchet Bridge welcomed Anne Boleyn's arrival +with loud acclamations, while joyous strains proceeded from sackbut and +psaltery, and echoing blasts from the trumpets. Caps were flung into +the air, and a piece of ordnance was fired from the barge, which was +presently afterwards answered by the castle guns. Having paid his +homage to Anne Boleyn, the mayor rejoined the company of bailiffs and +burgesses, and the whole cavalcade crossed the bridge, winding their +way slowly along the banks of the river, the barge, with the minstrels +playing in it, accompanying them the while. In this way they reached +Windsor; and as Anne Boleyn gazed up at the lordly castle above which +the royal standard now floated, proud and aspiring thoughts swelled her +heart, and she longed for the hour when she should approach it as its +mistress. Just then her eye chanced on Sir Thomas Wyat, who was riding +behind her amongst the knights, and she felt, though it might cost her a +struggle, that love would yield to ambition. + +Leaving the barge and its occupants to await the king's arrival, the +cavalcade ascended Thames Street, and were welcomed everywhere with +acclamations and rejoicing. Bryan Bowntance, who had stationed himself +on the right of the arch in front of his house, attempted to address +Anne Boleyn, but could not bring forth a word. His failure, how ever, +was more successful than his speech might have been, inasmuch as it +excited abundance of merriment. + +Arrived at the area in front of the lower gateway, Anne Boleyn's litter +was drawn up in the midst of it, and the whole of the cavalcade +grouping around her, presented a magnificent sight to the archers and +arquebusiers stationed on the towers and walls. + +Just at this moment a signal gun was heard from Datchet Bridge, +announcing that the king had reached it, and the Dukes of Suffolk, +Norfolk, and Richmond, together with the Earl of Surrey, Sir Thomas +Wyat, and a few of their gentle men, rode back to meet him. They had +scarcely, however, reached the foot of the hill when the royal party +appeared in view, for the king with his characteristic impatience, on +drawing near the castle, had urged his attendants quickly forward. + +First came half a dozen trumpeters, with silken bandrols fluttering in +the breeze, blowing loud flourishes. Then a party of halberdiers, whose +leaders had pennons streaming from the tops of their tall pikes. Next +came two gentlemen ushers bareheaded, but mounted and richly habited, +belonging to the Cardinal of York, who cried out as they pressed +forward, "On before, my masters, on before!--make way for my lord's +grace." + +Then came a sergeant-of-arms bearing a great mace of silver, and two +gentlemen carrying each a pillar of silver. Next rode a gentleman +carrying the cardinal's hat, and after him came Wolsey himself, mounted +on a mule trapped in crimson velvet, with a saddle covered with the same +stuff, and gilt stirrups. His large person was arrayed in robes of +the finest crimson satin engrained, and a silk cap of the same colour +contrasted by its brightness with the pale purple tint of his sullen, +morose, and bloated features. The cardinal took no notice of the clamour +around him, but now and then, when an expression of dislike was uttered +against him, for he had already begun to be unpopular with the people, +he would raise his eyes and direct a withering glance at the hardy +speaker. But these expressions were few, for, though tottering, Wolsey +was yet too formidable to be insulted with impunity. On either side of +him were two mounted attend ants, each caring a gilt poleaxe, who, if he +had given the word, would have instantly chastised the insolence of +the bystanders, while behind him rode his two cross-bearers upon homes +trapped in scarlet. + +Wolsey's princely retinue was followed by a litter of crimson velvet, in +which lay the pope's legate, Cardinal Campeggio, whose infirmities +were so great that he could not move without assistance. Campeggio was +likewise attended by a numerous train. + +After a long line of lords, knights, and esquires, came Henry the +Eighth. He was apparelled in a robe of crimson velvet furred with +ermines, and wore a doublet of raised gold, the placard of which was +embroidered with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, large pearls, and other +precious stones. About his neck was a baldric of balas rubies, and over +his robe he wore the collar of the Order of the Garter. His horse, a +charger of the largest size, and well able to sustain his vast weight, +was trapped in crimson velvet, purfled with ermines. His knights and +esquires were clothed in purple velvet, and his henchmen in scarlet +tunics of the same make as those worn by the warders of the Tower at the +present day. + +Henry was in his thirty-eighth year, and though somewhat overgrown and +heavy, had lost none of his activity, and but little of the grace of his +noble proportions. His size and breadth of limb were well displayed in +his magnificent habiliment. His countenance was handsome and manly, with +a certain broad burly look, thoroughly English in its character, which +won him much admiration from his subjects; and though it might be +objected that the eyes were too small, and the mouth somewhat too +diminutive, it could not be denied that the general expression of the +face was kingly in the extreme. A prince of a more "royal presence" +than Henry the Eighth was never seen, and though he had many and grave +faults, want of dignity was not amongst the number. + +Henry entered Windsor amid the acclamations of the spectators, the +fanfares of trumpeters, and the roar of ordnance from the castle walls. + +Meanwhile, Anne Boleyn, having descended from her litter, which passed +through the gate into the lower ward, stood with her ladies beneath the +canopy awaiting his arrival. + +A wide clear space was preserved before her, into which, however, Wolsey +penetrated, and, dismounting, placed himself so that he could witness +the meeting between her and the king. Behind him stood the jester, Will +Sommers, who was equally curious with himself. The litter of Cardinal +Campeggio passed through the gateway and proceeded to the lodgings +reserved for his eminence. + +Scarcely had Wolsey taken up his station than Henry rode up, and, +alighting, consigned his horse to a page, and, followed by the Duke +of Richmond and the Earl of Surrey, advanced towards Anne Boleyn, who +immediately stepped forward to meet him. + +"Fair mistress," he said, taking her hand, and regarding her with a look +of passionate devotion, "I welcome you to this my castle of Windsor, +and trust soon to make you as absolute mistress of it as I am lord and +master." + +Anne Boleyn blushed, and cast down her eyes, and Sir Thomas Wyat, who +stood at some little distance with his hand upon his saddle, regarding +her, felt that any hopes he might have entertained were utterly +annihilated. + +"Heard you that, my lord cardinal?" said Will Sommers to Wolsey. "She +will soon be mistress here. As she comes in, you go out--mind that!" + +The cardinal made no answer further than was conveyed by the deepened +colour of his cheeks. + +Amid continued fanfares and acclamations, Harry then led Anne Boleyn +through the gateway, followed by the ladies in waiting, who were joined +by Richmond and Surrey. The prelate, chancellor, register, black rod, +and other officers of the Garter, together with the whole of the +royal retinue who had dismounted, came after them. A vast concourse +of spectators, extending almost as far as the Lieutenant's Tower, was +collected in front of the alms-knights' houses; but a wide space had +been kept clear by the henchmen for the passage of the sovereign and his +train, and along this Henry proceeded with Anne Boleyn, in the direction +of the upper ward. Just as he reached the Norman Tower, and passed the +entrance to the keep, the Duke of Shoreditch, who was standing beneath +the gateway, advanced towards him and prostrated himself on one knee. + +"May it please your majesty," said Shoreditch, "I last night arrested +a butcher of Windsor for uttering words highly disrespectful of your +highness, and of the fair and virtuous lady by your side." + +"Ah! God's death!" exclaimed the king. "Where is the traitor? Bring him +before us." + +"He is here," replied Shoreditch. + +And immediately Mark Fytton was brought forward by a couple of +halberdiers. He still preserved his undaunted demeanour, and gazed +sternly at the king. + +"So, fellow, thou hast dared to speak disrespectfully of us--ha!" cried +Henry. + +"I have spoken the truth," replied the butcher fearlessly. "I have said +you were about to divorce your lawful consort, Catherine of Arragon, and +to take the minion, Anne Boleyn, who stands beside you, to your bed. And +I added, it was a wrongful act." + +"Foul befall thy lying tongue for saying so!" replied Henry furiously. +"I have a mind to pluck it from thy throat, and cast it to the dogs. +What ho! guards, take this caitiff to the summit of the highest tower of +the castle--the Curfew Tower--and hang him from it, so that all my loyal +subjects in Windsor may see how traitors are served." + +"Your highness has judged him justly," said Anne Boleyn. "You say so +now, Mistress Anne Boleyn," rejoined the butcher; "but you yourself +shall one day stand in as much peril of your life as I do, and shall +plead as vainly as I should, were I to plead at all, which I will never +do to this inexorable tyrant. You will then remember my end." + +"Away with him!" cried Henry. "I myself will go to the Garter Tower to +see it done. Farewell for a short while, sweetheart. I will read these +partisans of Catherine a terrible lesson." + +As the butcher was hurried off to the Curfew Tower, the king proceeded +with his attendants to the Garter Tower, and ascended to its summit. + +In less than ten minutes a stout pole, like the mast of a ship, was +thrust through the battlements of the Curfew Tower, on the side looking +towards the town. To this pole a rope, of some dozen feet in length, +and having a noose at one end, was firmly secured. The butcher was then +brought forth, bound hand and foot, and the noose was thrown over his +neck. + +While this was passing, the wretched man descried a person looking at +him from a window in a wooden structure projecting from the side of the +tower. + +"What, are you there, Morgan Fenwolf?" he cried. "Remember what passed +between us in the dungeon last night, and be warned! You will not meet +your end as firmly as I meet mine?" + +"Make thy shrift quickly, fellow, if thou hast aught to say," interposed +one of the halberdiers. + +"I have no shrift to make," rejoined the butcher. "I have already +settled my account with Heaven. God preserve Queen Catherine!" + +As he uttered these words, he was thrust off from the battlements by +the halberdiers, and his body swung into the abyss amid the hootings and +execrations of the spectators below. + +Having glutted his eyes with the horrible sight, Henry descended from +the tower, and returned to Anne Boleyn. + + + + +IV. + + How King Henry the Eighth held a Chapter of the Garter--How + he attended Vespers and Matins in Saint George's Chapel--And + how he feasted with the Knights--Companions in Saint + George's Hall. + + +From a balcony overlooking the upper ward, Anne Boleyn beheld the +king's approach on his return from the Garter Tower, and waving her hand +smilingly to him, she withdrew into the presence-chamber. Hastening to +her, Henry found her surrounded by her ladies of honour, by the chief +of the nobles and knights who had composed her train from Hampton Court, +and by the Cardinals Wolsey and Campeggio; and having exchanged a few +words with her, he took her hand, and led her to the upper part of the +chamber, where two chairs of state were set beneath a canopy of crimson +velvet embroidered with the royal arms, and placed her in the seat +hitherto allotted to Catherine of Arragon. A smile of triumph irradiated +Anne's lovely countenance at this mark of distinction, nor was her +satisfaction diminished as Henry turned to address the assemblage. + +"My lords," he said, "ye are right well aware of the scruples of +conscience I entertain in regard to my marriage with my brother's widow, +Catherine of Arragon. The more I weigh the matter, the more convinced am +I of its unlawfulness; and were it possible to blind myself to my sinful +condition, the preachers, who openly rebuke me from the pulpit, would +take care to remind me of it. Misunderstand me not, my lords. I have no +ground of complaint against the queen. Far otherwise. She is a lady +of most excellent character--full of devotion, loyalty, nobility, and +gentleness. And if I could divest myself of my misgivings, so far from +seeking to put her from me, I should cherish her with the greatest +tenderness. Ye may marvel that I have delayed the divorce thus long. But +it is only of late that my eyes have been opened; and the step was hard +to take. Old affections clung to me--old chains restrained me--nor could +I, without compunction, separate myself from one who has ever been to me +a virtuous and devoted consort." + +"Thou hast undergone a martyrdom, gossip," observed Will Sommers, who +had posted himself at the foot of the canopy, near the king, "and shalt +henceforth be denominated Saint Henry." + +The gravity of the hearers might have been discomposed by this remark, +but for the stern looks of the king. + +"Ye may make a jest of my scruples, my lords," he continued, "and think +I hold them lightly; but my treatise on the subject, which has cost +me much labour and meditation, will avouch to the contrary. What would +befall this realm if my marriage were called in question after my +decease? The same trouble and confusion would ensue that followed on the +death of my noble grandfather, King Edward the Fourth. To prevent such +mischance I have resolved, most reluctantly, to put away my present +queen, and to take another consort, by whom I trust to raise up a worthy +successor and inheritor of my kingdom." + +A murmur of applause followed this speech, and the two cardinals +exchanged significant glances, which were not unobserved by the king. + +"I doubt not ye will all approve the choice I shall make," he pursued, +looking fiercely at Wolsey, and taking Anne Boleyn's hand, who arose +as he turned to her. "And now, fair mistress," he added to her, "as an +earnest of the regard I have for you, and of the honours I intend you, +I hereby create you Marchioness of Pembroke, and bestow upon you a +thousand marks a year in land, and another thousand to be paid out of my +treasury to support your dignity." + +"Your majesty is too generous," replied Anne, bending the knee, and +kissing his hand. + +"Not a whit, sweetheart--not a whit," replied Henry, tenderly raising +her; "this is but a slight mark of my goodwill. Sir Thomas Boleyn," he +added to her father, "henceforth your style and title will be that of +Viscount Rochford, and your patent will be made out at the same time as +that of your daughter, the Marchioness of Pembroke. I also elect you a +knight-companion of the most honourable Order of the Garter, and your +investiture and installation will take place to-day." + +Having received the thanks and homage of the newly-created noble, Henry +descended from the canopy, and passed into an inner room with the Lady +Anne, where a collation was prepared for them. Their slight meal over, +Anne took up her lute, and playing a lively prelude, sang two or +three French songs with so much skill and grace, that Henry, who was +passionately fond of music, was quite enraptured. Two delightful hours +having passed by, almost imperceptibly, an usher approached the king, +and whispering a few words to him, he reluctantly withdrew, and Anne +retired with her ladies to an inner apartment. + +On reaching his closet, the king's attendants proceeded to array him in +a surcoat of crimson velvet, powdered with garters embroidered in silk +and gold, with the motto--boni soft qui mal y pense--wrought within +them. Over the surcoat was thrown a mantle of blue velvet with a +magnificent train, lined with white damask, and having on the left +shoulder a large garter, wrought in pearls and Venice twists, containing +the motto, and encircling the arms of Saint George--argent, a cross +gules. The royal habiliments were completed by a hood of the same stuff +as the surcoat, decorated like it with small embroidered garters, and +lined with white satin. From the king's neck was suspended the collar +of the Great George, composed of pieces of gold, fashioned like garters, +the ground of which was enamelled, and the letters gold. + +While Henry was thus arrayed, the knights-companions, robed in their +mantles, hoods, and collars, entered the closet, and waiting till he +was ready, marched before him into the presence-chamber, where were +assembled the two provincial kings-at-arms, Clarenceux and Norroy, the +heralds, and pursuivants, wearing their coats-of-arms, together with the +band of pensioners, carrying gilt poleaxes, and drawn up in two lines. +At the king's approach, one of the gentlemen-ushers who carried the +sword of state, with the point resting upon the ground, delivered it +to the Duke of Richmond,--the latter having been appointed to bear it +before the king during all the proceedings of the feast. Meanwhile, the +knights-companions having drawn up on either side of the canopy, Henry +advanced with a slow and stately step towards it, his train borne by +the Earl of Surrey, Sir Thomas Wyat, and other nobles and knights. As he +ascended the canopy, and faced the assemblage, the Duke of Richmond +and the chief officers of the Order drew up a little on his right. The +knights-companions then made their salutation to him, which he returned +by removing his jewelled cap with infinite grace and dignity, and +as soon as he was again covered they put on their caps, and ranging +themselves in order, set forward to Saint George's Chapel. + +Quitting the royal lodgings, and passing through the gateway of the +Norman Tower, the procession wound its way along the base of the Round +Tower, the battlements of which bristled with spearmen, as did the walls +on the right, and the summit of the Winchester Tower, and crossing the +middle ward, skirted the tomb-house, then newly erected by Wolsey, and +threading a narrow passage between it and Saint George's Chapel, entered +the north-east door of the latter structure. + +Dividing, on their entrance into the chapel, into two lines, the +attendants of the knights-companions flanked either side of the north +aisle; while between them walked the alms-knights, the verger, the +prebends of the college, and the officers-of-arms, who proceeded as far +as the west door of the choir, where they stopped. A slight pause then +ensued, after which the king, the knights-companions, and the chief +officers of the Order, entered the chapter-house--a chamber situated at +the north-east corner of the chapel--leaving the Duke of Richmond, the +sword-bearer, Lard Rochford, the knight-elect, the train-bearers, and +pensioners outside. The door of the chapter-house being closed by +the black-rod, the king proceeded to the upper end of the +vestments-board--as the table was designated--where a chair, cushions, +and cloth of state were provided for him; the knights-companions, whose +stalls in the choir were on the same side as his own, seating themselves +on his right, and those whose posts were on the prince's side taking +their places on the left. The prelate and the chancellor stood at the +upper end of the table; the Garter and register at the foot; while the +door was kept by the black-rod. + +As soon as the king and the knights were seated, intimation was given by +an usher to the black-rod that the newly elected knight, Lord Rochford, +was without. The intelligence being communicated to the king, he ordered +the Dukes of Suffolk and Norfolk to bring him into his presence. +The injunction was obeyed, and the knight-elect presently made +his appearance, the Garter marching before him to the king. Bowing +reverently to the sovereign, Rochford, in a brief speech, expressed his +gratitude for the signal honour conferred upon him, and at its close +set his left foot upon a gilt stool, placed for him by the Garter, who +pronounced the following admonition:--"My good lord, the loving company +of the Order of the Garter have received you as their brother and +fellow. In token whereof, they give you this garter, which God grant you +may receive and wear from henceforth to His praise and glory, and to the +exaltation and honour of the noble Order and yourself." + +Meanwhile the garter was girded on the leg of the newly-elected knight, +and buckled by the Duke of Suffolk. This done, he knelt before the king, +who hung a gold chain, with the image of Saint George attached to +it, about his neck, while another admonition was pronounced by +the chancellor. Rochford then arose, bowed to the monarch, to the +knights-companions, who returned his salutations, and the investiture +was complete. + +Other affairs of the chapter were next discussed. Certain officers +nominated since the last meeting, were sworn; letters from absent +knights-companions, praying to be excused from attendance, were +read--and their pleas, except in the instance of Sir Thomas Cheney, +allowed. After reading the excuse of the latter, Henry uttered an angry +oath, declaring he would deprive him of his vote in the chapter-house, +banish him from his stall, and mulct him a hundred marks, to be paid +at Saint George's altar, when Will Sommers, who was permitted to be +present, whispered in his ear that the offender was kept away by the +devices of Wolsey, because he was known to be friendly to the divorce, +and to the interests of the lady Anne. + +"Aha! by Saint Mary, is it so?" exclaimed Henry, knitting his brows. +"This shall be looked into. I have hanged a butcher just now. Let the +butcher's son take warning by his fate. He has bearded me long enough. +See that Sir Thomas Cheney be sent for with all despatch. I will hear +the truth from his own lips." + +He then arose, and quitting the chapter-house, proceeded with the +knights-companions to the choir--the roof and walls of the sacred +structure resounding with the solemn notes of the organ as they +traversed the aisle. The first to enter the choir were the alms-knights, +who passed through the door in a body, and making low obeisances +toward the altar and the royal stall, divided into two lines. They +were succeeded by the prebends of the College, who, making similar +obeisances, stationed themselves in front of the benches before the +stalls of the knights-companions. Next followed the pursuivants, +heralds, and provincial kings-of-arms, making like reverences, +and ranging themselves with the alms-knights. Then came the +knights-companions, who performed double reverences like the others, and +took their stations under their stalls; then came the black-rod, Garter, +and register, who having gone through the same ceremony as the others, +proceeded to their form, which was placed on the south side of the choir +before the sovereign's stall; then came the chancellor and prelate, +whose form was likewise placed before the royal stall, but nearer to it +than that allotted to the other officers; and, lastly, Henry himself, +with the sword borne before him by the Duke of Richmond, who as he +approached the steps of his stall bowed reverently towards the altar, +and made another obeisance before seating himself. + +Meanwhile the Duke of Richmond posted himself in front of the royal +stall, the Earl of Oxford, as lord chamberlain, taking his station on +the king's right, and the Earl of Surrey, as vice-chamberlain, on the +left. As these arrangements were made, the two cardinals arrived, and +proceeded to the altar. + +Mass was then said, and nothing could be more striking than the +appearance of the chapel during its performance. The glorious choir with +its groined and pendent roof, its walls adorned with the richest stuffs, +its exquisitely carved stalls, above which hung the banners of the +knights-companions, together with their helmets, crests, and swords, its +sumptuously--decorated altar, glittering with costly vessels, its pulpit +hung with crimson damask interwoven with gold, the magnificent and +varied dresses of the assemblage--all these constituted a picture of +surpassing splendour. + +Vespers over, the king and his train departed with the same ceremonies +and in the same order as had been observed on their entrance to the +choir. + +On returning to the royal lodgings, Henry proceeded to his closet, where +having divested himself of his mantle, he went in search of the Lady +Anne. He found her walking with her dames on the stately terrace at the +north of the castle, and the attendants retiring as he joined her, he +was left at full liberty for amorous converse. After pacing the terrace +for some time, he adjourned with Anne to her own apartments, where he +remained till summoned to supper with the knights-companions in Saint +George's Hall. + +The next morning betimes, it being the day of the Patron Saint of the +Order of the Garter, a numerous cavalcade assembled in the upper ward of +the castle, to conduct the king to hear matins in Saint George's Chapel. +In order to render the sight as imposing as possible, Henry had arranged +that the procession should take place on horseback, and the whole of the +retinue were accordingly mounted. The large quadrangle was filled with +steeds and their attendants, and the castle walls resounded with the +fanfares of trumpets and the beating of kettledrums. The most attractive +feature of the procession in the eyes of the beholders was the Lady +Anne, who, mounted on a snow-white palfrey richly trapped, rode on the +right of the king. She was dressed in a rich gown of raised cloth of +gold; and had a coronet of black velvet, decorated with orient pearls, +on her head. Never had she looked so lovely as on this occasion, and the +king's passion increased as he gazed upon her. Henry himself was more +sumptuously attired than on the preceding day. He wore a robe of purple +velvet, made somewhat like a frock, embroidered with flat damask gold, +and small lace intermixed. His doublet was very curiously embroidered, +the sleeves and breast being lined with cloth of gold, and fastened with +great buttons of diamonds and rubies. His sword and girdle were adorned +with magnificent emeralds, and his bonnet glistened with precious +stones. His charger was trapped in cloth of gold, traversed +lattice-wise, square, embroidered with gold damask, pearled on every +side, and having buckles and pendants of fine gold. By his side ran +ten footmen, richly attired in velvet and goldsmith's work. They were +followed by the pages of honour, mounted on great horses, trapped in +crimson velvet embroidered with new devices and knots of gold. + +In this state Henry and his favourite proceeded to the great +western door of Saint George's Chapel. Here twelve gentlemen of the +privy-chamber attended with a canopy of cloth of gold, which they bore +over the king's bead, and that of the Lady Anne, as she walked beside +him to the entrance of the choir, where they separated--he proceeding +to his stall, and she to a closet at the north-east corner of the choir +over the altar, while her ladies repaired to one adjoining it. + +Matins then commenced, and at the appointed part of the service the dean +of the college took a silver box, containing the heart of Saint George, +bestowed upon King Henry the Fifth by the Emperor Sigismund, and after +incense had been shed upon it by one of the canons, presented it to the +king and the knights-companions to kiss. + +After the offertory, a carpet was spread on the steps before the altar, +the alms-knights, pursuivants, and heralds stationing themselves on +either side of it. The Garter then descended from his seat, and waving +his rod, the knights-companions descended likewise, but remained before +their stalls. The black-rod next descended, and proceeding towards the +altar, a groom of the wardrobe brought him a small carpet of cloth of +gold, and a cushion of the same stuff, which were placed on the larger +carpet, the cushion being set on the head of the steps. Taking a large +gilt bason to receive the offerings, the prelate stationed himself with +one of the prebends in the midst of the altar. The king then rose from +his stall, and making a reverence as before, proceeded to the altar, +attended by the Garter, register, and chancellor, together with the +Duke of Richmond bearing the sword; and having reached the upper step, +prostrated himself on the cushion, while the black-rod bending the knee +delivered a chain of gold, intended afterwards to be redeemed, to the +Duke of Suffolk, who was appointed to make the royal offering, and who +placed it in the bason held by the prelate. This ceremony over, the king +got up, and with similar reverences returned to his stall. Then the two +provincial kings, Clarenceux and Norroy, proceeded along the choir, and +making due reverences to the altar and the sovereign, bowed to the two +senior knights; who thereupon advanced towards the altar, and kneeling +down, made their offering. The other imitated their example, coming +forward according to their seniority. + +The service ended, the officers and knights-companions quitted the +chapel in the same order they had entered it, the king being received +under the canopy at the door of the choir, and passing through the +west entrance of the chapel, where he waited for the Lady Anne. On +her arrival they both mounted their steeds, and rode up to the royal +lodgings amid flourishes of trumpets and acclamations. Dismounting +at the great gate, Henry proceeded to the presence-chamber, where the +knights-companions had assembled, and having received their salutations, +retired to his closet. Here he remained in deep consultation with the +Duke of Suffolk for some hours, when it having been announced to him +that the first course of the banquet was served, he came forth, +and proceeded to the presence-chamber, where he greeted the +knights-companions, who were there assembled, and who immediately +put themselves in order of procession. After this, the alms-knights, +prebends, and officers-of-arms passed on through the guard-chamber into +Saint George's Hall. They were followed by the knights-companions, who +drew up in double file, the seniors taking the uppermost place; and +through these lines the king passed, his train borne up as before, until +reaching the table set apart for him beneath a canopy, he turned +round and received the knights' reverences. The Earl of Oxford, as +vice-chamberlain, then brought him a ewer containing water, the Earl of +Surrey a bason, and Lord Rochford a napkin. Henry having performed his +ablutions, grace was said by the prelate, after which the king seated +himself beneath the canopy in an ancient chair with a curiously carved +back representing the exploit of Saint George, which had once belonged +to the founder, King Edward the Third, and called up the two cardinals, +who by this time had entered the hall, and who remained standing beside +him, one on either hand, during the repast. + +As soon as the king was seated, the knights-companions put on their +caps, and retired to the table prepared for them on the right side of +the hall, where they seated themselves according to their degree--the +Duke of Richmond occupying the first place, the Duke of Suffolk the +second, and the Duke of Norfolk the third. On the opposite side of the +hall was a long beaufet covered with flasks of wine, meats, and dishes, +for the service of the knights' table. Before this stood the attendants, +near whom were drawn up two lines of pensioners bearing the second +course on great gilt dishes, and headed by the sewer. In front of the +sewer were the treasurer and comptroller of the household, each bearing +a white wand; next them stood the officers-of-arms in two lines, headed +by the Garter. The bottom of the hall was thronged with yeomen of the +guard, halberdiers, and henchmen. In a gallery at the lower end were +stationed a band of minstrels, and near them sat the Lady Anne and her +dames to view the proceedings. + +The appearance of the hall during the banquet was magnificent, the upper +part being hung with arras representing the legend of Saint +George, placed there by Henry the Sixth, and the walls behind the +knights-companions adorned with other tapestries and rich stuffs. +The tables groaned with the weight of dishes, some of which may be +enumerated for the benefit of modern gastronomers. There were Georges on +horseback, chickens in brewis, cygnets, capons of high grease, carpes of +venison, herons, calvered salmon, custards planted with garters, tarts +closed with arms, godwits, peafowl, halibut engrailed, porpoise in +armour, pickled mullets, perch in foyle, venison pasties, hypocras +jelly, and mainemy royal. + +Before the second course was served, the Garter, followed by Clarenceux +and Norroy, together with the heralds and pursuivants, advanced towards +the sovereign's canopy, and cried thrice in a loud voice, "Largesse!" + +Upon this, all the knights-companions arose and took off their caps. The +Garter then proceeded to proclaim the king's titles in Latin and French, +and lastly in English, as follows:--"Of the most high, most excellent, +and most mighty monarch, Henry the Eighth, by the grace of God King of +England, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, and Sovereign of +the most noble Order of the Garter." + +This proclamation made, the treasurer of the household put ten golden +marks into the Garter's cap, who making a reverence to the sovereign, +retired from the hall with his followers. + +"Come, my lord legate," said Henry, when this ceremony was at an end, +"we will drink to my future queen. What ho! wine!" he added to the Earl +of Surrey, who officiated as cup-bearer. + +"Your highness is not yet divorced from your present consort," replied +Campeggio. "If it please you, I should prefer drinking the health of +Catherine of Arragon." + +"Well, as your eminence pleases," replied the king, taking the goblet +from the hand of Surrey; "I shall not constrain you." + +And looking towards the gallery, he fixed his eyes on the Lady Anne and +drained the cup to the last drop. + +"Would it were poison," muttered Sir Thomas Wyat, who stood behind the +Earl of Surrey, and witnessed what was passing. + +"Give not thy treasonable thoughts vent, gossip," said Will Sommers, +who formed one of the group near the royal table, "or it may chance that +some one less friendly disposed towards thee than myself may overhear +them. I tell thee, the Lady Anne is lost to thee for ever. Think'st thou +aught of womankind would hesitate between a simple knight and a king? My +lord duke," he added sharply to Richmond, who was looking round at him, +"you would rather be in yonder gallery than here." + +"Why so, knave?" asked the duke. + +"Because the Fair Geraldine is there," replied the jester. "And yet your +grace is not the person she would most desire to have with her." + +"Whom would she prefer?" inquired the duke angrily. + +The jester nodded at Surrey, and laughed maliciously. + +"You heard the health given by the king just now, my lord," observed the +Duke of Suffolk to his neighbour the Duke of Norfolk; "it was a shrewd +hint to the lord legate which way his judgment should decline. Your +niece will assuredly be Queen of England." + +"I did not note what was said, my lord," replied Norfolk; "I pray you +repeat it to me." + +Suffolk complied, and they continued in close debate until the +termination of the banquet, when the king, having saluted the company, +returned to the presence-chamber. + + + + +V. + + Of the Ghostly Chase beheld by the Earl of Surrey and the + Duke of Richmond in Windsor Forest. + + +On that same night, and just as the castle clock was on the stroke of +twelve, the Earl of Surrey and the Duke of Richmond issued from the +upper gate, and took their way towards Herne's Oak. The moon was shining +brightly, and its beams silvered the foliage of the noble trees with +which the park was studded. The youthful friends soon reached the +blasted tree; but nothing was to be seen near it, and all looked so +tranquil, so free from malignant influence, that the Duke of Richmond +could not help laughing at his companion, telling him that the supposed +vision must have been the offspring of his over-excited fancy. Angry at +being thus doubted, the earl walked off, and plunged into the haunted +dell. The duke followed, but though they paused for some time beneath +the gnarled oak-tree, the spirit did not appear. + +"And thus ends the adventure of Herne the Hunter!" laughed the duke, +as they emerged from the brake. "By my halidom, Surrey, I am grievously +disappointed. You must have mistaken some large stag, caught by its +antlers in the branches of the oak-tree, for the demon." + +"I have told you precisely what occurred," replied Surrey angrily. "Ha! +there he is--look! look!" + +And he pointed to a weird figure, mounted on a steed as weird-looking as +itself, galloping through the trees with extraordinary swiftness, at a +little distance from them. This ghostly rider wore the antlered helmet +described by Surrey, and seemed to be habited in a garb of deer-skins. +Before him flew a large owl, and a couple of great black dogs ran beside +him. Staring in speechless wonder at the sight, the two youths watched +the mysterious being scour a glade brightly illumined by the moon, +until, reaching the pales marking the confines of the Home Park, he +leaped them and disappeared. + +"What think you of that?" cried Surrey, as soon as he had recovered from +his surprise, glancing triumphantly at the duke. "Was that the offspring +of my fancy?" + +"It was a marvellous sight, truly!" exclaimed Richmond. "Would we had +our steeds to follow him." + +"We can follow him on foot," replied the earl--"he is evidently gone +into the forest." + +And they set off at a quick pace in the direction taken by the ghostly +rider. Clambering the park pales, they crossed the road leading to +Old Windsor, and entered that part of the forest which, in more recent +times, has been enclosed and allotted to the grounds of Frogmore. +Tracking a long vista, they came to a thick dell, overgrown with +large oaks, at the bottom of which lay a small pool. Fleeter than his +companion, and therefore somewhat in advance of him, the Earl of Surrey, +as he approached this dell, perceived the spectral huntsman and his dogs +standing at the edge of the water. The earl instantly shouted to him, +and the horseman turning his head, shook his hand menacingly, while the +hounds glared fiercely at the intruder, and displayed their fangs, but +did not bark. As Surrey, however, despite this caution, continued to +advance, the huntsman took a strangely shaped horn that hung by his +side, and placing it to his lips, flames and thick smoke presently +issued from it, and before the vapour had cleared off, he and his dogs +had disappeared.. The witnesses of this marvellous spectacle crossed +themselves reverently, and descended to the brink of the pool; but the +numerous footprints of deer, that came there to drink, prevented them +from distinguishing any marks of the steed of the ghostly hunter. + +"Shall we return, Surrey?" asked the duke. + +"No," replied the earl. "I am persuaded we shall see the mysterious +huntsman again. You can return, if you think proper. I will go on." + +"Nay, I will not leave you," rejoined Richmond. + +And they set off again at the same quick pace as before. Mounting a hill +covered with noble beeches and elms, a magnificent view of the castle +burst upon them, towering over the groves they had tracked, and looking +almost like the work of enchantment. Charmed with the view, the young +men continued to contemplate it for some time. They then struck off on +the right, and ascended still higher, until they came to a beautiful +grove of beeches cresting the hill where the equestrian statue of George +the Third is now placed. Skirting this grove, they disturbed a herd of +deer, which started up, and darted into the valley below. + +At the foot of two fine beech-trees lay another small pool, and Surrey +almost expected to see the spectral huntsman beside it. + +From this spot they could discern the whole of the valley beyond, and +they scanned it in the hope of perceiving the object of their search. +Though not comparable to the view on the nearer side, the prospect was +nevertheless exceedingly beautiful. Long vistas and glades stretched out +before them, while in the far distance might be seen glittering in the +moonbeams the lake or mere which in later days has received the name of +Virginia Water. + +While they were gazing at this scene, a figure habited like a keeper of +the forest suddenly emerged from the trees at the lower end of one of +the glades. Persuaded that this person had some mysterious connection +with the ghostly huntsman, the earl determined to follow him, and +hastily mentioning his suspicions and design to Richmond, he hurried +down the hill. But before he accomplished the descent, the keeper was +gone. + +At length, however, on looking about, they perceived him mounting the +rising ground on the left, and immediately started after him, taking +care to keep out of sight. The policy of this course was soon apparent. +Supposing himself no longer pursued, the keeper relaxed his pace, and +the others got nearer to him. + +In this way both parties went on, the keeper still hurrying forward, +every now and then turning his head to see whether any one was on his +track, until he came to a road cut through the trees that brought him to +the edge of a descent leading to the lake. Just at this moment a +cloud passed over the moon, burying all in comparative obscurity. +The watchers, however, could perceive the keeper approach an ancient +beech-tree of enormous growth, and strike it thrice with the short +hunting-spear which he held in his grasp. + +The signal remaining unanswered, he quitted the tree, and shaped his +course along the side of a hill on the right. Keeping under the +shelter of the thicket on the top of the same hill, Surrey and Richmond +followed, and saw him direct his steps towards another beech-tree of +almost double the girth of that he had just visited. Arrived at this +mighty tree, he struck it with his spear, while a large owl, seated on +a leafless branch, began to hoot; a bat circled the tree; and two large +snakes, glistening in the moonlight, glided from its roots. As the tree +was stricken for the third time, the same weird figure that the watchers +had seen ride along the Home Park burst from its riften trunk, and +addressed its summoner in tones apparently menacing and imperious, but +whose import was lost upon the listeners. The curiosity of the beholders +was roused to the highest pitch, but an undefinable awe prevented them +from rushing forward. + +Suddenly the demon hunter waved a pike with which he was armed, and +uttered a peculiar cry, resembling the hooting of an owl. At this sound, +and as if by magic, a couple of steeds, accompanied by the two hounds, +started from the brake. In an instant the demon huntsman vaulted upon +the hack of the horse nearest to him, and the keeper almost as quickly +mounted the other. The pair then galloped off through the glen, the owl +flying before them, and the hounds coursing by their side. + +The two friends gazed at each other, for some time, in speechless +wonder. Taking heart, they then descended to the haunted tree, but could +perceive no traces of the strange being by whom it had been recently +tenanted. After a while they retraced their course towards the castle, +hoping they might once more encounter the wild huntsman. Nor were they +disappointed. As they crossed a glen, a noble stag darted by. Close at +its heels came the two black hounds, and after them the riders hurrying +forward at a furious pace, their steeds appearing to breathe forth flame +and smoke. + +In an instant the huntsmen and hounds were gone, and the trampling of +the horses died away in the distance. Soon afterwards a low sound, like +the winding of a horn, broke upon the ear, and the listeners had no +doubt that the buck was brought down. They hurried in the direction +of the sound, but though the view was wholly unobstructed for a +considerable distance, they could see nothing either of horsemen, +hounds, or deer. + + + + +VI. + + How the Fair Geraldine bestowed a Relic upon her Lover--How + Surrey and Richmond rode in the Forest at Midnight--And + where they found the Body of Mark Fytton, the Butcher. + + +Surrey and Richmond agreed to say nothing for the present of their +mysterious adventure in the forest; but their haggard looks, as they +presented themselves to the Lady Anne Boleyn in the reception-chamber on +the following morning, proclaimed that something had happened, and they +had to undergo much questioning from the Fair Geraldine and the Lady +Mary Howard. + +"I never saw you so out of spirits, my lord," remarked the Fair +Geraldine to Surrey; "you must have spent the whole night in study--or +what is more probable, you have again seen Herne the Hunter. Confess +now, you have been in the forest." + +"I will confess anything you please," replied Surrey evasively. + +"And what have you seen?--a stranger vision than the first?" rejoined +the Fair Geraldine. + +"Since your ladyship answers for me, there is no need for explanation on +my part," rejoined Surrey, with a faint laugh. "And know you not, that +those who encounter super natural beings are generally bound to profound +secrecy?" + +"Such, I hope, is not your case, Henry?" cried the Lady Mary Howard, in +alarm;--"nor yours, my lord?" she added to the Duke of Richmond. + +"I am bound equally with Surrey," returned the duke mysteriously + +"You pique my curiosity, my lords," said the Fair Geraldine; "and since +there is no other way of gratifying it, if the Lady Mary Howard will +accompany me, we will ourselves venture into the forest, and try whether +we cannot have a meeting with this wild huntsman. Shall we go to-night? + +"Not for worlds," replied the Lady Mary, shuddering; "were I to see +Herne, I should die of fright." + +"Your alarm is groundless," observed Richmond gallantly. "The presence +of two beings, fair and pure as yourself and the Lady Elizabeth +Fitzgerald, would scare away aught of evil." + +The Lady Mary thanked him with a beaming smile, but the Fair Geraldine +could not suppress a slight laugh. + +"Your grace is highly flattering," she said. "But, with all faith +in beauty and purity, I should place most reliance in a relic I +possess--the virtue of which has often been approved against evil +spirits. It was given by a monk--who had been sorely tempted by a demon, +and who owed his deliverance to it--to my ancestor, Luigi Geraldi of +Florence; and from him it descended to me." + +"Would I had an opportunity of proving its efficacy!" exclaimed the Earl +of Surrey. + +"You shall prove it, if you choose," rejoined the Fair Geraldine. "I +will give you the relic on condition that you never part with it to +friend or foe." + +And detaching a small cross of gold, suspended by a chain from her neck, +she presented it to the Earl of Surrey. + +"This cross encloses the relic," she continued; "wear it, and may it +protect you from all ill!" + +Surrey's pale cheek glowed as he took the gift. "I will never past +with it but with life," he cried, pressing the cross to his lips, and +afterwards placing it next his heart. + +"I would have given half my dukedom to be so favoured," said Richmond +moodily. + +And quitting the little group, he walked towards the Lady Anne. "Henry," +said the Lady Mary, taking her brother aside, "you will lose your +friend." + +"I care not," replied Surrey. + +"But you may incur his enmity," pursued the Lady Mary. "I saw the glance +he threw at you just now, and it was exactly like the king's terrible +look when offended." + +"Again I say I care not," replied Surrey. "Armed with this relic, I defy +all hostility." + +"It will avail little against Richmond's rivalry and opposition," +rejoined his sister. + +"We shall see," retorted Surrey. "Were the king himself my rival, I +would not resign my pretensions to the Fair Geraldine." + +"Bravely resolved, my lord," said Sir Thomas Wyat, who, having overheard +the exclamation, advanced towards him. "Heaven grant you may never be +placed in such jeopardy!" + +"I say amen to that prayer, Sir Thomas," rejoined Surrey "I would not +prove disloyal, and yet under such circumstances--" + +"What would you do?" interrupted Wyat. + +"My brother is but a hasty boy, and has not learned discretion, Sir +Thomas," interposed the Lady Mary, trying by a significant glance to +impose silence on the earl. + +"Young as he is, he loves well and truly," remarked Wyat, in a sombre +tone. + +"What is all this?" inquired the Fair Geraldine, who had been gazing +through the casement into the court below. + +"I was merely expressing a wish that Surrey may never have a monarch for +a rival, fair lady," replied Wyat. + +"It matters little who may be his rival," rejoined Geraldine, "provided +she he loves be constant." + +"Right, lady, right," said Wyat, with great bitterness. At this moment +Will Sommers approached them. "I come to bid you to the Lady Anne's +presence, Sir Thomas, and you to the king's, my lord of Surrey," said +the jester. "I noticed what has just taken place," he remarked to the +latter, as they proceeded towards the royal canopy, beneath which Henry +and the Lady Anne Boleyn were seated; "but Richmond will not relinquish +her tamely, for all that." + +Anne Boleyn had summoned Sir Thomas Wyat, in order to gratify her vanity +by showing him the unbounded influence she possessed over his royal +rival; and the half-suppressed agony displayed by the unfortunate lover +at the exhibition afforded her a pleasure such as only the most refined +coquette can feel. + +Surrey was sent for by the king to receive instructions, in his quality +of vice-chamberlain, respecting a tilting-match and hunting-party to be +held on successive days--the one in the upper quadrangle of the castle, +the other in the forest. + +Anxious, now that he was somewhat calmer, to avoid a rupture with +Richmond, Surrey, as soon as he had received the king's instructions, +drew near the duke; and the latter, who had likewise reasoned himself +out of his resentment, was speedily appeased, and they became, to all +appearance, as good friends as ever. + +Soon afterwards the Lady Anne and her dames retired, and the court +breaking up, the two young nobles strolled forth to the stately terrace +at the north of the castle, where, while gazing at the glorious view it +commanded, they talked over the mysterious event of the previous night. + +"I cannot help suspecting that the keeper we beheld with the demon +hunter was Morgan Fenwolf," remarked the earl. "Suppose we make inquiry +whether he was at home last night. We can readily find out his dwelling +from Bryan Bowntance, the host of the Garter." + +Richmond acquiesced in the proposal, and they accordingly proceeded +to the cloisters of Saint George's Chapel, and threading some tortuous +passages contrived among the canons' houses, passed through a small +porch, guarded by a sentinel, and opening upon a precipitous and +somewhat dangerous flight of steps, hewn out of the rock and leading to +the town. + +None except the more important members of the royal household were +allowed to use this means of exit from the castle, but, of course, the +privilege extended to Richmond and Surrey. Here in later times, and when +the castle was not so strictly guarded, a more convenient approach +was built, and designated, from the number of its stairs, "The Hundred +Steps." + +Having accomplished the descent in safety, and given the password to the +sentinel at the foot of the steps, the two young nobles emerged into the +street, and the first object they beheld was the body of the miserable +butcher swinging from the summit of the Curfew Tower, where it was left +by order of the king. + +Averting their gaze from this ghastly spectacle, they took their way up +Thames Street, and soon reached the Garter. Honest Bryan was seated on a +bench before the dwelling, with a flagon of his own ale beside him, +and rising as he saw the others approach, he made them a profound +salutation. + +Upon leaning what they sought, he told them that Morgan Fenwolf dwelt +in a small cottage by the river-side not far from the bridge, and if +it pleased them, he would guide them to it himself--an offer which they +gladly accepted. + +"Do you know anything of this Fenwolf?" asked Surrey, as they proceeded +on their way. + +"Nothing particular," replied Bryan, with some hesitation. "There are +some strange reports about him, but I don't believe 'em." + +"What reports are they, friend?" asked the Duke of Richmond. + +"Why, your grace, one ought to be cautious what one says, for fear of +bringing an innocent man into trouble," returned the host. "But if the +truth must be spoken, people do say that Morgan Fenwolf is in league +with the devil--or with Herne the Hunter, which is the same thing." + +Richmond exchanged a look with his friend. + +"Folks say strange sights have been seen in the forest of late," pursued +Bryan--"and it may be so. But I myself have seen nothing--but then, to +be sure, I never go there. The keepers used to talk of Herne the +Hunter when I was a lad, but I believe it was only a tale to frighten +deer-stealers; and I fancy it's much the same thing now." + +Neither Surrey nor Richmond made any remark, and they presently reached +the keeper's dwelling. + +It was a small wooden tenement standing, as the host had stated, on the +bank of the river, about a bow-shot from the bridge. The door was opened +by Bryan, and the party entered without further ceremony. They found +no one within except an old woman, with harsh, wrinkled features, and a +glance as ill-omened as that of a witch, whom Bryan Bowntance told them +was Fenwolf's mother. This old crone regarded the intruders uneasily. + +"Where is your son, dame?" demanded the duke. + +"On his walk in the forest," replied the old crone bluntly. + +"What time did he go forth?" inquired Surrey. + +"An hour before daybreak, as is his custom," returned the woman, in the +same short tone as before. + +"You are sure he slept at home last night, dame?" said Surrey. + +"As sure as I am that the question is asked me," she replied. "I can +show you the very bed on which he slept, if you desire to see it. He +retired soon after sunset--slept soundly, as he always sleeps--and arose +as I have told you. I lighted a fire, and made him some hot pottage +myself." + +"If she speaks the truth, you must be mistaken," observed Richmond in a +whisper to his friend. + +"I do not believe her," replied Surrey, in the same tone. "Show us his +chamber, dame." + +The old crone sullenly complied, and, throwing open a side door, +disclosed an inner apartment, in which there was a small bed. There +was nothing noticeable in the room except a couple of fishing-nets, a +hunting-spear, and an old cross-bow. A small open casement looked upon +the river, whose clear sparkling waters flowed immediately beneath it. + +Surrey approached the window, and obtained a fine view of the Brocas +meads on the one hand, and the embowered college of Eton on the other. +His attention, however, was diverted by a fierce barking without, and +the next moment, in spite of the vociferations of the old woman, a large +black staghound, which Surrey recognised as Fenwolf's dog, Bawsey, burst +through the door, and rushed furiously towards him. Surrey drew his +dagger to defend himself from the hound's attack, but the precaution +was needless. Bawsey's fierceness changed suddenly to the most abject +submission, and with a terrified howl, she retreated from the room with' +her tail between her legs. Even the old woman uttered a cry of surprise. + +"Lord help us!" exclaimed Bryan; "was ever the like o' that seen? Your +lordship must have a strange mastery over dogs. That hound," he added, +in a whisper, "is said to be a familiar spirit." + +"The virtue of the relic is approved," observed Surrey to Richmond, in +an undertone. + +"It would seem so," replied the duke. + +The old woman now thought proper to assume a more respectful demeanour +towards her visitors, and inquired whether her son should attend upon +them on his return from the forest, but they said it was unnecessary. + +"The king is about to have a grand hunting-party the day after +to-morrow," observed Surrey, "and we wished to give your son some +instructions respecting it. They can, however, be delivered to another +keeper." + +And they departed with Bryan, and returned to the castle. At midnight +they again issued forth. Their steeds awaited them near the upper gate, +and, mounting, they galloped across the greensward in the direction of +Herne's Oak. Discerning no trace of the ghostly huntsman, they shaped +their course towards the forest. + +Urging their steeds to their utmost speed, and skirting the long avenue, +they did not draw the rein till they reached the eminence beyond it; +having climbed which, they dashed down the farther side at the same +swift pace as before. The ride greatly excited them, but they saw +nothing of the wild huntsman; nor did any sound salute their ears except +the tramp of their own horses, or the occasional darting forth of a +startled deer. + +Less than a quarter of an hour brought them to the haunted beech-tree; +but all was as silent and solitary here as at the blasted oak. In vain +Surrey smote the tree. No answer was returned to the summons; and, +finding all efforts to evoke the demon fruitless, they quitted the +spot, and, turning their horses' heads to the right, slowly ascended the +hill-side. + +Before they had gained the brow of the hill the faint blast of a horn +saluted their ears, apparently proceeding from the valley near the +lake. They instantly stopped and looked in that direction, but could +see nothing. Presently, however, the blast was repeated more loudly than +before, and, guided by the sound, they discerned the spectral huntsman +riding beneath the trees at some quarter of a mile's distance. + +Striking spurs into their steeds, they instantly gave him chase; but +though he lured them on through thicket and over glade--now climbing +a hill, now plunging into a valley, until their steeds began to show +symptoms of exhaustion--they got no nearer to him; and at length, as +they drew near the Home Park, to which he had gradually led them, he +disappeared from view. + +"I will take my station near the blasted oak," said Surrey, galloping +towards it: "the demon is sure to revisit his favourite tree before +cock-crowing." + +"What is that?" cried the Earl of Surrey, pointing to a strange and +ghastly-looking object depending from the tree. "Some one has hanged +himself! It may be the caitiff, Morgan Fenwolf." + +With one accord they dashed forward, and as they drew nearer the tree, +they perceived that the object that had attracted their attention was +the body of Mark Fytton, the butcher, which they had so recently seen +swinging from the summit of the Curfew Tower. It was now suspended from +an arm of the wizard oak. + +A small scroll was stuck upon the breast of the corpse, and, taking it +off, Surrey read these words, traced in uncouth characters--"Mark Fytton +is now one of the band of Herne the Hunter." + +"By my fay, this passes all comprehension," said Richmond, after a few +moments' silence. "This castle and forest seem under the sway of the +powers of darkness. Let us return. I have had enough of adventure for +to-night." + +And he rode towards the castle, followed more slowly by the earl. + + + + +VII. + + How the Earl of Surrey and the Fair Geraldine plighted their + troth in the Cloisters of Saint George's Chapel. + + +Barriers were erected on the following day in the upper ward of the +castle, and the Lady Anne and her dames assembled in the balcony in +front of the royal lodgings, which was decorated with arras, costly +carpets, and rich stuffs, to view the spectacle. + +Perfect in all manly accomplishments, Henry splintered several lances +with his brother-in-law, the Duke of Suffolk, who formed an admirable +match for him in point of weight and strength; and at last, though he +did not succeed in unhorsing the duke, he struck off his helmet, the +clasp of which, it was whispered, was left designedly unfastened; and +being thereupon declared the victor, he received the prize--a scarf +embroidered by her own hands--from the fair Anne herself. + +He then retired from the lists, leaving them free for the younger +knights to run a course at the ring. The first to enter the arena was +Sir Thomas Wyat; and as he was known to be a skilful jouster, it was +expected he would come off triumphantly. But a glance from the royal +balcony rendered his arm unsteady, and he missed the mark. + +Next came the Duke of Richmond, superbly accoutred. Laughing at Wyat's +ill success, he bowed to the Fair Geraldine, and taking a lance from his +esquire, placed it in the rest, and rode gallantly forward. But he was +equally unsuccessful, and retired, looking deeply chagrined. + +The third knight who presented himself was Surrey. Mounted on his +favourite black Arabian--a steed which, though of fiery temper, obeyed +his slightest movement--his light symmetrical figure was seen to the +greatest advantage in his close-fitting habiliments of silk and velvet. +Without venturing a look at the royal balcony, the earl couched his +lance, and bounding forward, bore away the ring on its point. + +Amid the plaudits of the spectators, he then careered around the arena, +and approaching the royal balcony, raised his lance, and proffered the +ring to the Fair Geraldine, who blushingly received it. Henry, though by +no means pleased with Surrey's success, earned as it was at the expense +of his son, complimented him upon his skill, and Anne Boleyn joined +warmly in his praises. + +The lists were then closed, and the royal party retired to partake of +refreshments; after which they proceeded to the butts erected in the +broad mead at the north of the castle, where the Duke of Shoreditch and +his companions shot a well-contested match with the long-bow. + +During these sports, Surrey placed himself as near as he could to the +Fair Geraldine, and though but few opportunities occurred of exchanging +a syllable with her, his looks spoke a sufficiently intelligible +language. At last, just as they were about to return to the palace, he +breathed in an imploring tone in her ear-- + +"You will attend vespers at Saint George's Chapel this evening. Return +through the cloisters. Grant me a moment's interview alone there." + +"I cannot promise," replied the Fair Geraldine. And she followed in the +train of the Lady Anne. + +The earl's request had not been unheard. As the royal train proceeded +towards the castle, Will Sommers contrived to approach the Duke of +Richmond, and said to him, in a jeering tone "You ran but indifferently +at the ring to-day, gossip. The galliard Surrey rode better, and carried +off the prize." + +"Pest on thee, scurril knave--be silent!" cried Richmond angrily; +"failure is bad enough without thy taunts." + +"If you had only missed the ring, gossip, I should have thought nothing +of it," pursued Will Sommers; "but you lost a golden opportunity of +ingratiating yourself with your lady-love. All your hopes are now at an +end. A word in your ear--the Fair Geraldine will meet Surrey alone this +evening." + +"Thou liest, knave!" cried the duke fiercely. + +"Your grace will find the contrary, if you will be at Wolsey's +tomb-house at vesper-time," replied the jester. + +"I will be there," replied the duke; "but if I am brought on a bootless +errand, not even my royal father shall save thee from chastisement." + +"I will bear any chastisement your grace may choose to inflict upon +me, if I prove not the truth of my assertion," replied Sommers. And he +dropped into the rear of the train. + +The two friends, as if by mutual consent, avoided each other during +the rest of the day--Surrey feeling he could not unburden his heart to +Richmond, and Richmond brooding jealously over the intelligence he had +received from the jester. + +At the appointed hour the duke proceeded to the lower ward, and +stationed himself near Wolsey's tomb-house. Just as he arrived there, +the vesper hymn arose from the adjoining fane, and its solemn strains +somewhat soothed his troubled spirit. But they died away; and as the +jester came not, Richmond grew impatient, and began to fear he had been +duped by his informant. At length the service concluded, and, losing all +patience, he was about to depart, when the jester peered round the lower +angle of the tomb-house, and beckoned to him. Obeying the summons, +the duke followed his conductor down the arched passage leading to the +cloisters. + +"Tread softly, gossip, or you will alarm them," said Sommers, in a low +tone. + +They turned the corner of the cloisters; and there, near the entrance of +the chapel, stood the youthful pair--the Fair Geraldine half reclining +upon the earl's breast, while his arm encircled her slender waist. + +"There!" whispered the jester, chuckling maliciously, "there! did I speak +falsely--eh, gossip?" + +Richmond laid his hand upon his sword. + +"Hist!" said the jester; "hear what the Fair Geraldine has to say." + +"We must meet no more thus, Surrey," she murmured: + +"I feel I was wrong in granting the interview, but I could not help it. +If, when a few more years have flown over your head, your heart remains +unchanged." + +"It will never change!" interrupted Surrey. "I here solemnly pledge my +troth to you." + +"And I return the pledge," replied the Fair Geraldine earnestly. "I vow +to be yours, and yours only." + +"Would that Richmond could hear your vow!" said Surrey; "it would +extinguish his hopes." + +"He has heard it!" cried the duke, advancing. "But his hopes are not yet +extinguished." + +The Fair Geraldine uttered a slight scream, and disengaged herself from +the earl. + +"Richmond, you have acted unworthily in thus playing the spy," said +Surrey angrily. + +"None but a spy can surprise interviews like these," rejoined Richmond +bitterly. "The Lady Elizabeth Fitzgerald had better have kept her +chamber, than come here to plight her troth with a boy, who will change +his mind before his beard is grown." + +"Your grace shall find the boy man enough to avenge an insult," rejoined +Surrey sternly. + +"I am glad to hear it," returned the duke. "Lady Elizabeth Fitzgerald, I +must pray you to return to your lodgings. The king's jester will attend +you. This way, my lord." + +Too much exasperated to hesitate, Surrey followed the duke down the +passage, and the next moment the clashing of swords was heard. The Fair +Geraldine screamed loudly, and Will Sommers began to think the jest had +been carried too far. + +"What is to be done?" he cried. "If the king hears of this quarrel, he +will assuredly place the Earl of Surrey in arrest. I now repent having +brought the duke here." + +"You acted most maliciously," cried the Fair Geraldine; "but fly, and +prevent further mischief." + +Thus urged, the jester ran towards the lower ward, and finding an +officer of the guard and a couple of halberdiers near the entrance +of St. George's Chapel, told them what was taking place, and they +immediately hastened with him to the scene of the conflict. + +"My lords!" cried the officer to the combatants, "I command you to lay +down your weapons." + +But finding no respect paid to his injunctions, he rushed between them, +and with the aid of the halberdiers, forcibly separated them. + +"My lord of Surrey," said the officer, "you are my prisoner. I demand +your sword." + +"On what plea, sir?" rejoined the other. + +"You have drawn it against the king's son--and the act is treason," +replied the officer. "I shall take you to the guard house until the +king's pleasure is known." + +"But I provoked the earl to the conflict," said Richmond: "I was the +aggressor." + +"Your grace will represent the matter as you see fit to your royal +father," rejoined the officer. "I shall fulfil my duty. My lord, to the +guard-house!" + +"I will procure your instant liberation, Surrey," said Richmond. + +The earl was then led away, and conveyed to a chamber in the lower part +of Henry the Eighth's gate, now used as a place of military punishment, +and denominated the "black hole." + + + + +VIII. + + Of Tristram Lyndwood, the old Forester, and his Grand- + daughter Mabel--Of the Peril in which the Lady Anne Boleyn + was placed during the chase--And by whom she was rescued. + + +In consequence of the announcement that a grand hunting party would be +held in the forest, all the verderers, rangers, and keepers assembled at +an early hour on the fourth day after the king's arrival at Windsor in +an open space on the west side of the great avenue, where a wooden stand +was erected, canopied over with green boughs and festooned with garlands +of flowers, for the accommodation of the Lady Anne Boleyn and her dames, +who, it was understood, would be present at the chase. + +At a little distance from the stand an extensive covert was fenced round +with stout poles, to which nets were attached so as to form a haye or +preserve, where the game intended for the royal sport was confined; +and though many of the animals thus brought together were of hostile +natures, they were all so terrified, and seemingly so conscious of the +danger impending over them, that they did not molest each other. +The foxes and martins, of which there were abundance, slunk into the +brushwood with the hares and rabbits, but left their prey untouched. The +harts made violent efforts to break forth, and, entangling their horns +in the nets, were with difficulty extricated and driven back; while the +timid does, not daring to follow them, stood warily watching the result +of the struggle. + +Amongst the antlered captives was a fine buck, which, having been once +before hunted by the king, was styled a "hart royal," and this noble +animal would certainly have effected his escape if he had not been +attacked and driven back by Morgan Fenwolf, who throughout the morning's +proceedings displayed great energy and skill. The compliments bestowed +on Fenwolf for his address by the chief verderer excited the jealousy +of some of his comrades, and more than one asserted that he had been +assisted in his task by some evil being, and that Bawsey herself was no +better than a familiar spirit in the form of a hound. + +Morgan Fenwolf scouted these remarks; and he was supported by some +others among the keepers, who declared that it required no supernatural +aid to accomplish what he had done--that he was nothing more than a good +huntsman, who could ride fast and boldly--that he was skilled in all the +exercises of the chase, and possessed a stanch and well-trained hound. + +The party then sat down to breakfast beneath the trees, and the talk +fell upon Herne the Hunter, and his frequent appearance of late in the +forest (for most of the keepers had heard of or encountered the spectral +huntsman); and while they were discussing this topic, and a plentiful +allowance of cold meat, bread, ale, and mead at the same time, two +persons were seen approaching along a vista on the right, who specially +attracted their attention and caused Morgan Fenwolf to drop the +hunting-knife with which he was carving his viands, and start to his +feet. + +The new-comers were an old man and a comely young damsel. The former, +though nearer seventy than sixty, was still hale and athletic, with +fresh complexion, somewhat tanned by the sun, and a keen grey eye, +which had lost nothing of its fire. He was habited in a stout leathern +doublet, hose of the same material, and boots rudely fashioned out of +untanned ox-hide, and drawn above the knee. In his girdle was thrust a +large hunting-knife; a horn with a silver mouthpiece depended from his +shoulder, and he wore a long bow and a quiver full of arrows at his +back. A flat bonnet, made of fox-skin and ornamented with a raven's +wing, covered his hair, which was as white as silver. + +But it was not upon this old forester, for such his attire proclaimed +him, that the attention of the beholders, and of Morgan Fenwolf in +especial, was fixed, but upon his companion. Amongst the many lovely and +high-born dames who had so recently graced the procession to the castle +were few, if any, comparable to this lowly damsel. Her dress--probably +owing to the pride felt in her by her old relative was somewhat superior +to her station. A tightly-laced green kirtle displayed to perfection her +slight but exquisitely-formed figure A gown of orange-coloured cloth, +sufficiently short to display her small ankles, and a pair of green +buskins, embroidered with silver, together with a collar of the whitest +and finest linen, though shamed by the neck it concealed, and fastened +by a small clasp, completed her attire. Her girdle was embroidered with +silver, and her sleeves were fastened by aiglets of the same metal. + +"How proud old Tristram Lyndwood seems of his granddaughter," remarked +one of the keepers. + +"And with reason," replied another. "Mabel Lyndwood is the comeliest +lass in Berkshire." + +"Ay, marry is she," rejoined the first speaker; "and, to my thinking, +she is a fairer and sweeter flower than any that blooms in yon stately +castle--the flower that finds so much favour in the eyes of our royal +Hal not excepted." + +"Have a care, Gabriel Lapp," observed another keeper. "Recollect that +Mark Fytton, the butcher, was hanged for speaking slightingly of the +Lady Anne Boleyn; and you may share his fate if you disparage her +beauty." + +"Na I meant not to disparage the Lady Anne," replied Gabriel. "Hal +may marry her when he will, and divorce her as soon afterwards as he +pleases, for aught I care. If he marries fifty wives, I shall like him +all the better. The more the merrier, say I. But if he sets eyes on Mab +Lyndwood it may somewhat unsettle his love for the Lady Anne." + +"Tush, Gabriel!" said Morgan Fenwolf, darting an angry look at him. +"What business have you to insinuate that the king would heed other than +the lady of his love?" + +"You are jealous, Morgan Fenwolf," rejoined Gabriel, with a malignant +grin. "We all know you are in love with Mabel yourself." + +"And we all know, likewise, that Mabel will have nothing to say to you!" +cried another keeper, while the others laughed in chorus. "Come and sit +down beside us, Morgan, and finish your breakfast." + +But the keeper turned moodily away, and hied towards Tristram Lyndwood +and his granddaughter. The old forester shook him cordially by the hand, +and after questioning him as to what had taken place, and hearing how +he had managed to drive the hart royal into the haye, clapped him on the +shoulder and said, "Thou art a brave huntsman, Morgan. I wish Mab could +only think as well of thee as I do." + +To this speech Mabel not only paid no attention, but looked studiously +another way. + +"I am glad your grandfather has brought you out to see the chase to-day, +Mabel," observed Morgan Fenwolf. + +"I dame not to see the chase, but the king," she replied, somewhat +petulantly. + +"It is not every fair maid who would confess so much," observed Fenwolf, +frowning. + +"Then I am franker than some of my sex," replied Mabel. "But who is the +strange man looking at us from behind that tree, grandfather! + +"I see no one," replied the old forester. + +"Neither do I," added Morgan Fenwolf, with a shudder. "You are wilfully +blind," rejoined Mabel. "But see, the person I mentioned stalks forth. +Now, perhaps, he is visible to you both." + +And as she spoke, a tall wild-looking figure, armed with a +hunting-spear, emerged from the trees and advanced towards them. The +garb of the newcomer somewhat resembled that of a forester; but his +arms and lower limbs were destitute of covering, and appeared singularly +muscular, while his skin was swarthy as that of a gipsy. His jet-black +hair hung in elf-locks over his savage-looking features. + +In another moment he was beside them, and fixed his dark piercing eyes +on Mabel in such a manner as to compel her to avert her gaze. + +"What brings you here this morning, Tristram Lyndwood?" he demanded, in +a hoarse imperious tone. + +"The same motive that brought you, Valentine Hagthorne," replied the old +forester--"to see the royal chase." + +"This, I suppose, is your granddaughter?" pursued Hagthorne. + +"Ay," replied Tristram bluntly. + +"Strange I should never have seen her before," rejoined the other. "She +is very fair. Be ruled by me, friend Tristram--take her home again. If +she sees the king, ill will come of it. You know, or should know, his +character." + +"Hagthorne advises well," interposed Fenwolf. "Mabel will be better at +home." + +"But she has no intention of returning at present," replied Mabel. "You +brought me here for pastime, dear grandfather, and will not take me back +at the recommendation of this strange man?" + +"Content you, child--content you," replied Tristram kindly. "You shall +remain where you are." + +"You will repent it!" cried Hagthorne. + +And hastily darting among the trees, he disappeared from view. + +Affecting to laugh at the occurrence, though evidently annoyed by it, +the old forester led his granddaughter towards the stand, where he was +cordially greeted by the keepers, most of whom, while expressing their +pleasure at seeing him, strove to render themselves agreeable in the +eyes of Mabel. + +From this scene Morgan Fenwolf kept aloof, and remained leaning against +a tree, with his eyes riveted upon the damsel. He was roused from his +reverie by a slight tap upon the shoulder; and turning at the touch, +beheld Valentine Hagthorne. Obedient to a sign from the latter, he +followed him amongst the trees, and they both plunged into a dell. + +An hour or two after this, when the sun was higher in the heavens, and +the dew dried upon the greensward, the king and a large company of lords +and ladies rode forth from the upper gate of the castle, and taking +their way along the great avenue, struck off on the right when about +half-way up it, and shaped their course towards the haye. + +A goodly sight it was to see this gallant company riding beneath the +trees; and pleasant was it, also, to listen to the blithe sound of +their voices, amid which Anne Boleyn's musical laugh could be plainly +distinguished. Henry was attended by his customary band of archers and +yeomen of the guard, and by the Duke of Shoreditch and his followers. On +reaching the haye, the king dismounted, and assisting the Lady Anne from +her steed, ascended the stand with her. + +He then took a small and beautifully fashioned bow from an attendant, +and stringing it, presented it to her. + +"I trust this will not prove too strong for your fair hands," he said. + +"I will make shift to draw it," replied Anne, raising the bow, and +gracefully pulling the string. "Would I could wound your majesty as +surely as I shall hit the first roe that passes." + +"That were a needless labour," rejoined Henry, "seeing that you have +already stricken me to the heart. You should cure the wound you have +already made, sweetheart-not inflict a new one." + +At this juncture the chief verderer, mounted on a powerful steed, and +followed by two keepers, each holding a couple of stag-hounds in leash, +rode up to the royal stand, and placing his horn to his lips, blew three +long mootes from it. At the same moment part of the network of the haye +was lifted up, and a roebuck set free. + +By the management of the keepers, the animal was driven past the royal +stand; and Anne Boleyn, who had drawn an arrow nearly to the head, let +it fly with such good aim that she pierced the buck to the heart. A loud +shout from the spectators rewarded the prowess of the fair huntress; and +Henry was so enchanted, that he bent the knee to her, and pressed +her hand to his lips. Satisfied, however, with the' achievement, Anne +prudently declined another shot. Henry then took a bow from one of the +archers, and other roes being turned out, he approved upon them his +unerring skill as a marksman. + +Meanwhile, the hounds, being held in leash, kept up a loud and incessant +baying; and Henry, wearying of his slaughterous sport, turned to Anne, +and asked her whether she was disposed for the chase. She answered in +the affirmative, and the king motioned his henchmen to bring forward the +steeds. + +In doing this, he caught sight of Mabel, who was standing with her +grandsire among the keepers, at a little distance from the stand, and, +struck with her extraordinary beauty, he regarded her for a moment +intently, and then called to Gabriel Lapp, who chanced to be near him, +and demanded her name. + +"It is Mabel Lyndwood, an't please your majesty," replied Gabriel. "She +is granddaughter to old Tristram Lyndwood, who dwells at Black Nest, +near the lake, at the farther extremity of Windsor Forest, and who +was forester to your royal father, King Henry the Seventh, of blessed +memory." + +"Ha! is it so?" cried Henry. + +But he was prevented from further remark by Anne Boleyn, who, perceiving +how his attention was attracted, suddenly interposed. + +"Your majesty spoke of the chase," she said impatiently. "But perhaps you +have found other pastime more diverting?" + +"Not so--not so, sweetheart," he replied hastily. + +"There is a hart royal in the haye," said Gabriel Lapp. "Is it your +majesty's pleasure that I set him free? + +"It is, good fellow--it is," replied the king. + +And as Gabriel hastened to the netted fencework, and prepared to +drive forth the hart, Henry assisted Anne Boleyn, who could not help +exhibiting some slight jealous pique, to mount her steed, and having +sprung into his own saddle, they waited the liberation of the buck, +which was accomplished in a somewhat unexpected manner. + +Separated from the rest of the herd, the noble animal made a sudden dart +towards Gabriel, and upsetting him in his wild career, darted past the +king, and made towards the upper part of the forest. In another instant +the hounds were un coupled and at his heels, while Henry and Anne urged +their steeds after him, the king shouting at the top of his lusty +voice. The rest of the royal party followed as they might, and the woods +resounded with their joyous cries. + +The hart royal proved himself worthy of his designation. Dashing forward +with extraordinary swiftness, he rapidly gained upon his pursuers--for +though Henry, by putting his courser to his utmost speed, could have +kept near him, he did not choose to quit his fair companion. + +In this way they scoured the forest, until the king, seeing they should +be speedily distanced, commanded Sir Thomas Wyat, who, with the Dukes of +Suffolk and Norfolk, was riding close behind him, to cross by the +lower ground on the left, and turn the stag. Wyat instantly obeyed, +and plunging his spurs deeply into his horse's sides, started off at a +furious pace, and was soon after seen shaping his rapid course through a +devious glade. + +Meanwhile, Henry and his fair companion rode on without relaxing their +pace, until they reached the summit of a knoll, crowned by an old oak +and beech-tree, and commanding a superb view of the castle, where they +drew in the rein. + +From this eminence they could witness the progress of the chase, as it +continued in the valley beyond. An ardent lover of hunting, the king +watched it with the deepest interest, rose in his saddle, and uttering +various exclamations, showed, from his impatience, that he was only +restrained by the stronger passion of love from joining it. + +Ere long, stag, hounds, and huntsmen were lost amid a thicket, and +nothing could be distinguished but a distant baying and shouts. At last +even these sounds died away. + +Henry, who had ill brooked the previous restraint, now grew so +impatient, that Anne begged him to set off after them, when suddenly the +cry of hounds burst upon their ears, and the hart was seen issuing from +the dell, closely followed by his pursuers. + +The affrighted animal, to the king's great satisfaction, made his way +directly towards the spot where he was stationed; but on reaching the +side of the knoll, and seeing his new foes, he darted off on the right, +and tried to regain the thicket below. But he was turned by another band +of keepers, and again driven towards the knoll. + +Scarcely had Sir Thomas Wyat reined in his steed by the side of the +king, than the hart again appeared bounding up the hill. Anne Boleyn, +who had turned her horse's head to obtain a better view of the hunt, +alarmed by the animal's menacing appearance, tried to get out of +his way. But it was too late. Hemmed in on all sides, and driven to +desperation by the cries of hounds and huntsmen in front, the hart +lowered his horns, and made a furious push at her. + +Dreadfully alarmed, Anne drew in the rein so suddenly and sharply, that +she almost pulled her steed back upon his haunches; and in trying to +avoid the stag's attack, caught hold of Sir Thomas Wyat, who was close +beside her. In all probability she would have received some serious +injury from the infuriated animal, who was just about to repeat his +assault and more successfully, when a bolt from a cross-bow, discharged +by Morgan Fenwolf, who suddenly made his appearance from behind the +beech-tree, brought him to the ground. + +But Anne Boleyn escaped one danger only to encounter another equally +serious. On seeing her fling herself into the arms of Sir Thomas Wyat, +Henry regarded her in stern displeasure for a moment, and then calling +angrily to his train, without so much as deigning to inquire whether +she had sustained any damage from the accident, or making the slightest +remark upon her conduct, rode sullenly towards the castle. + + + + +IX. + + By what means Sir Thomas Wyat obtained an Interview with + Anne Boleyn--And how the Earl of Surrey saved them from the + King's anger. + + +The incident above related gave new life to the adherents of Catherine +of Arragon, while it filled those devoted to Anne Boleyn with alarm. +Immediately on Anne's return to the castle Lord Rochford had a private +interview with her, and bitterly reproached her for endangering her +splendid prospects. Anne treated the matter very lightly--said it was +only a temporary gust of jealousy--and added that the king would be at +her feet again before the day was past. + +"You are over-confident, mistress!" cried Rochford angrily. "Henry is +not an ordinary gallant." + +"It is you who are mistaken, father," replied Anne. "The king differs +in no respect from any of his love-smitten subjects. I have him in my +toils, and will not let him escape." + +"You have a tiger in your toils, daughter, and take heed he breaks not +forcibly through them," rejoined Rochford. "Henry is more wayward than +you suppose him. Once let him take up a notion, and nothing can shake +him from it. He has resolved upon the divorce as much from self-will as +from any other consideration. If you regain your position with him, of +which you seem so confident, do not consider yourself secure--not even +when you are crowned queen--but be warned by Catherine of Arragon." + +"Catherine has not the art to retain him," said Anne. "Henry will never +divorce me." + +"Take care he does not rid himself of you in a more summary manner, +daughter," rejoined Rochford. "If you would stand well with him, you +must study his lightest word, look, and action--humour him in every +whim--and yield to every caprice. Above all, you must exhibit no +jealousy." + +"You are wrong in all but the last, father," returned Anne. "Henry is +not to be pleased by such nice attention to his humours. It is because +I have shown myself careless of them that I have captivated him. But +I will take care not to exhibit jealousy, and, sooth to say, I do not +think I shall have cause." + +"Be not too sure of that," replied Rochford. "And at all events, let not +the king have cause to be jealous of you. I trust Wyat will be banished +from court. But if he is not, do not let him approach you more." + +"Poor Sir Thomas!" sighed Anne. "He loved me very dearly." + +"But what is his love compared to the king's?" cried Rochford. "Tut, +tut, girl! think no more of him." + +"I will not, my lord," she rejoined; "I see the prudence of your +counsel, and will obey it. Leave me, I pray you. I will soon win back +the affections of the king." + +No sooner had Rochford quitted the chamber than the arras at the farther +end was raised, and Wyat stepped from behind it. His first proceeding +was to bar the door. + +"What means this, Sir Thomas?" cried Anne in alarm. "How have you +obtained admittance here?" + +"Through the secret staircase," replied Wyat, bending the knee before +her. + +"Rise, sir!" cried Anne, in great alarm. "Return, I beseech you, as you +came. You have greatly endangered me by coming here. If you are seen to +leave this chamber, it will be in vain to assert my innocence to Henry. +Oh, Sir Thomas! you cannot love me, or you would not have done this." + +"Not love you, Anne!" he repeated bitterly; "not love you I Words cannot +speak my devotion. I would lay down my head on the scaffold to prove it. +But for my love for you, I would throw open that door, and walk forth so +that all might see me--so that Henry might experience some part of the +anguish I now feel." + +"But you will not do so, good Sir Thomas--dear Sir Thomas," cried Anne +Boleyn, in alarm. + +"Have no fear," rejoined Wyat, with some contempt; "I will sacrifice +even vengeance to love." + +"Sir Thomas, I had tolerated this too long," said Anne. "Begone--you +terrify me." + +"It is my last interview with you, Anne," said Wyat imploringly; "do +not abridge it. Oh, bethink you of the happy hours we have passed +together--of the vows we have interchanged--of the protestations you +have listened to, and returned--ay, returned, Anne. Are all these +forgotten?" + +"Not forgotten, Sir Thomas," replied Anne mournfully; "but they must not +be recalled. I cannot listen to you longer. You must go. Heaven grant +you may get hence in safety!" + +"Anne," replied Wyat in a sombre tone, "the thought of Henry's happiness +drives me mad. I feel that I am grown a traitor--that I could slay him." + +"Sir Thomas!" she exclaimed, in mingled fear and anger. + +"I will not go," he continued, flinging himself into a seat. "Let them +put what construction they will upon my presence. I shall at least wring +Henry's heart. I shall see him suffer as I have suffered; and I shall be +content." + +"This is not like you, Wyat," cried Anne, in great alarm. "You were wont +to be noble, generous, kind. You will not act thus disloyally? + +"Who has acted disloyally, Anne?" cried Wyat, springing to his feet, and +fixing his dark eyes, blazing with jealous fury, upon her--"you or I? +Have you not sacrificed your old affections at the shrine of ambition? +Are you not about to give yourself to one to whom--unless you are +foresworn--you cannot give your heart? Better had you been the mistress +of Allington Castle--better the wife of a humble knight like myself, +than the queen of the ruthless Henry." + +"No more of this, Wyat," said Anne. + +"Better far you should perish by his tyranny for a supposed fault now +than hereafter," pursued Wyat fiercely. "Think not Henry will respect +you more than her who had been eight-and-twenty years his wife. No; +when he is tired of your charms--when some other dame, fair as yourself, +shall enslave his fancy, he will cast you off, or, as your father truly +intimated, will seek a readier means of ridding himself of you. Then you +will think of the different fate that might have been yours if you had +adhered to your early love." + +"Wyat! Wyat! I cannot bear this--in mercy spare me!" cried Anne. + +"I am glad to see you weep," said Wyat; "your tears make you look more +like your former self." + +"Oh, Wyat, do not view my conduct too harshly!" she said. "Few of my sex +would have acted other than I have done." + +"I do not think so," replied Wyat sternly; "nor will I forego my +vengeance. Anne, you shall die. You know Henry too well to doubt your +fate if he finds me here." + +"You cannot mean this," she rejoined, with difficulty repressing a +scream; "but if I perish, you will perish with me." + +"I wish to do so," he rejoined, with a bitter laugh. + +"Wyat," cried Anne, throwing herself on her knees before him, "by your +former love for me, I implore you to spare me! Do not disgrace me thus." + +But Wyat continued inexorable. + +"O God!" exclaimed Anne, wringing her hands in agony. A terrible silence +ensued, during which Anne regarded Wyat, but she could discern no change +in his countenance. + +At this juncture the tapestry was again raised, and the Earl of Surrey +issued from it. + +"You here, my lord?" said Anne, rushing towards him. + +"I am come to save you, madame," said the earl. "I have been just +liberated from arrest, and was about to implore your intercession with +the king, when I learned he had been informed by one of his pages that +a man was in your chamber. Luckily, he knows not who it is, and while he +was summoning his attendants to accompany him, I hurried hither by the +secret staircase. I have arrived in time. Fly--fly! Sir Thomas Wyat!" + +But Wyat moved not. + +At this moment footsteps were heard approaching the door--the handle +was tried--and the stern voice of the king was heard commanding that it +might be opened. + +"Will you destroy me, Wyat?" cried Anne. + +"You have destroyed yourself," he rejoined. + +"Why stay you here, Sir Thomas?" said Surrey, seizing his arm. "You may +yet escape. By heaven! if you move not, I will stab you to the heart!" + +"You would do me a favour, young man," said Wyat coldly; "but I will go. +I yield to love, and not to you, tyrant!" he added, shaking his hand +at the door. "May the worst pangs of jealously rend your heart!" And he +disappeared behind the arras. + +"I hear voices," cried Henry from without. "God's death! madam, open the +door--or I will burst it open!" + +"Oh, heaven! what is to be done?" cried Anne Boleyn, in despair. + +"Open the door, and leave all to me, madam," said Surrey; "I will save +you, though it cost me my life!" + +Anne pressed his hand, with a look of ineffable gratitude, and Surrey +concealed himself behind the arras. + +The door was opened, and Henry rushed in, followed by Richmond, Norfolk, +Suffolk, and a host of attendants. + +"Ah! God's death! where is the traitor?" roared the king, gazing round. + +"Why is my privacy thus broken upon?" said Anne, assuming a look of +indignation. + +"Your privacy!" echoed Henry, in a tone of deep derision--"Your privacy! +--ha!--ha! You bear yourself bravely, it must be confessed. My lords, +you heard the voices as well as myself. Where is Sir Thomas Wyat?" + +"He is not here," replied Anne firmly. + +"Aha! we shall see that, mistress," rejoined Henry fiercely. "But if Sir +Thomas Wyat is not here, who is? for I am well assured that some one is +hidden in your chamber." + +"What if there be?" rejoined Anne coldly. + +"Ah! by Saint Mary, you confess it!" cried the king. "Let the traitor +come forth." + +"Your majesty shall not need to bid twice," said Surrey, issuing from +his concealment. + +"The Earl of Surrey!" exclaimed Henry, in surprise. "How come you here, +my lord? Methought you were under arrest at the guard-house." + +"He was set free by my orders," said the Duke of Richmond. + +"First of all I must entreat your majesty to turn your resentment +against me," said the earl. "I am solely to blame, and I would not have +the Lady Anne suffer for my fault. I forced myself into her presence. +She knew not of my coming." + +"And wherefore did you so, my lord?" demanded Henry sternly. + +"Liberated from the guard-house at the Duke of Richmond's instance, my +liege, I came to entreat the Lady Anne to mediate between me and +your majesty, and to use her influence with your highness to have me +betrothed to the Lady Elizabeth Fitzgerald." + +"Is this so, madam?" asked the king. + +Anne bowed her head. + +"But why was the door barred?" demanded Henry, again frowning +suspiciously. + +"I barred it myself," said Surrey, "and vowed that the Lady Anne should +not go forth till she had granted my request." + +"By our lady you have placed yourself in peril, my lord," said Henry +sternly. + +"Your majesty will bear in mind his youth," said the Duke of Norfolk +anxiously. + +"For my sake overlook the indiscretion," cried the Duke of Richmond. + +"It will not, perhaps, avail him to hope that it may be overlooked for +mine," added Anne Boleyn. + +"The offence must not pass unpunished," said Henry musingly. "My lord of +Surrey, you must be content to remain for two months a prisoner in the +Round Tower of this castle." + +"Your majesty!" cried Richmond, bending the knee in supplication. + +"The sentence is passed," replied Henry coldly; "and the earl may thank +you it is not heavier. Richmond, you will think no more of the fair +Geraldine; and it is my pleasure, Lady Anne, that the young dame +withdraw from the court for a short while." + +"Your majesty shall be obeyed," said Anne; "but--" + +"But me no buts, sweetheart," said the king peremptorily. "Surrey's +explanation is satisfactory so far as it goes, but I was told Sir Thomas +Wyat was here." + +"Sir Thomas Wyat is here," said Will Sommers, pointing out the knight, +who had just joined the throng of courtiers at the door. + +"I have hurried hither from my chamber, my liege," said Wyat, stepping +forward, "hearing there was some inquiry concerning me." + +"Is your majesty now satisfied?" asked Anne Boleyn. + +"Why, ay, sweetheart, well enough," rejoined Henry. "Sir Thomas Wyat, +we have a special mission for you to the court of our brother of France. +You will set out to-morrow." + +Wyat bowed. + +"You have saved your head, gossip," whispered Will Sommers in the +knight's ear. "A visit to Francis the First is better than a visit to +the Tower." + +"Retire, my lords," said Henry to the assemblage; "we owe some apology +to the Lady Anne for our intrusion, and desire an opportunity to make +it." + +Upon this the chamber was instantly cleared of its occupants, and the +Earl of Surrey was conducted, under a guard, to the Round Tower. + +Henry, however, did not find it an easy matter to make peace with the +Lady Anne. Conscious of the advantage she had gained, she determined not +to relinquish it, and, after half an hour's vain suing, her royal lover +proposed a turn in the long gallery, upon which her apartments opened. +Here they continued conversing--Henry pleading in the most passionate +manner, and Anne maintaining a show of offended pride. + +At last she exhibited some signs of relenting, and Henry led her into +a recess in the gallery, lighted by a window filled with magnificent +stained glass. In this recess was a seat and a small table, on which +stood a vase filled with flowers, arranged by Anne's own hand; and here +the monarch hoped to adjust his differences with her. + +Meanwhile, word having reached Wolsey and Campeggio of the new cause of +jealousy which the king had received, it was instantly resolved that the +former should present to him, while in his present favourable mood, a +despatch received that morning from Catherine of Arragon. + +Armed with the letter, Wolsey repaired to the king's closet. Not finding +him there, and being given to understand by an usher that he was in +the great gallery, he proceeded thither. As he walked softly along +the polished oak floor, he heard voices in one of the recesses, and +distinguished the tones of Henry and Anne Boleyn. + +Henry was clasping the snowy fingers of his favourite, and gazing +passionately at her, as the cardinal approached. + +"Your majesty shall not detain my hand," said Anne, "unless you swear to +me, by your crown, that you will not again be jealous without cause." + +"I swear it," replied Henry. + +"Were your majesty as devoted to me as you would have me believe, you +would soon bring this matter of the divorce to an issue," said Anne. + +"I would fain do so, sweetheart," rejoined Henry; "but these cardinals +perplex me sorely." + +"I am told by one who overheard him, that Wolsey has declared the +divorce shall not be settled these two years," said Anne; "in which case +it had better not be settled at all; for I care not to avow I cannot +brook so much delay. The warmth of my affection will grow icy cold by +that time." + +"It were enough to try the patience of the most forbearing," rejoined +the king, smiling--"but it shall not be so--by this lily hand it shall +not! And now, sweetheart, are we entirely reconciled? + +"Not yet," replied Anne. "I shall claim a boon from your majesty before +I accord my entire forgiveness." + +"Name it," said the king, still clasping her hand tenderly, and +intoxicated by the witchery of her glance. + +"I ask an important favour," said Anne, "but as it is one which will +benefit your majesty as much as myself, I have the less scruple in +requesting it. I ask the dismissal of one who has abused your favour, +who, by his extortion and rapacity, has in some degree alienated the +affections of your subjects from you, and who solely opposes your +divorce from Catherine of Arragon because he fears my influence may be +prejudicial to him." + +"You cannot mean Wolsey?" said Henry uneasily. + +"Your majesty has guessed aright," replied Anne. + +"Wolsey has incurred my displeasure oft of late," said Henry; "and yet +his fidelity--" + +"Be not deceived, my liege," said Anne; "he is faithful to you only so +far as serves his turn. He thinks he rules you." + +Before Henry could reply, the cardinal stepped forward. + +"I bring your majesty a despatch, just received from the queen," he +said. + +"And you have been listening to our discourse?" rejoined Henry sternly. +"You have overheard--" + +"Enough to convince me, if I had previously doubted it, that the Lady +Anne Boleyn is my mortal foe," replied Wolsey. + +"Foe though I am, I will make terms with your eminence," said Anne. +"Expedite the divorce--you can do so if you will--and I am your fast +friend." + +"I know too well the value of your friendship, noble lady, not to do all +in my power to gain it," replied Wolsey. "I will further the matter, if +possible. But it rests chiefly in the hands of his holiness Pope Clement +the Seventh." + +"If his majesty will listen to my counsel, he will throw off the pope's +yoke altogether," rejoined Anne. "Nay, your eminence may frown at me +if you will. Such, I repeat, shall be my counsel. If the divorce is +speedily obtained, I am your friend: if not--look to yourself." + +"Do not appeal to me, Wolsey," said Henry, smiling approval at Anne; "I +shall uphold her." + +"Will it please your majesty to peruse this despatch?" said Wolsey, +again offering Catherine's letter. + +"Take it to my closet," replied the king; "I will join you there. And +now at last we are good friends, sweetheart." + +"Excellent friends, my dear liege," replied Anne; "but I shall never be +your queen while Wolsey holds his place." + +"Then, indeed, he shall lose it," replied Henry. + +"She is a bitter enemy, certes," muttered Wolsey as he walked away. "I +must overthrow her quickly, or she will overthrow me. A rival must be +found--ay, a rival--but where? I was told that Henry cast eyes on a +comely forester's daughter at the chase this morning. She may do for the +nonce." + + + + +X. + + Of the Mysterious Disappearance of Herne the Hunter in the + Lake. + + +Unable to procure any mitigation of Surrey's sentence, the Duke of +Richmond proceeded to the Round Tower, where he found his friend in a +small chamber, endeavouring to beguile his captivity by study. + +Richmond endeavoured to console him, and was glad to find him in better +spirits than he expected. Early youth is seldom long dejected, and +misfortunes, at that buoyant season, seem lighter than they appear later +on in life. The cause for which he suffered, moreover, sustained Surrey, +and confident of the Fair Geraldine's attachment, he cared little +for the restraint imposed upon him. On one point he expressed some +regret--namely, his inability to prosecute the adventure of Herne the +Hunter with the duke. + +"I grieve that I cannot accompany you, Richmond," he said; "but since +that is impossible, let me recommend you to take the stout archer who +goes by the name of the Duke of Shoreditch with you. He is the very man +you require." + +After some consideration the duke assented, and, promising to return on +the following day and report what had occurred he took his leave, and +went in search of the archer in question. Finding he had taken up his +quarters at the Garter, he sent for him and proposed the matter. + +Shoreditch heard the duke's relation with astonishment, but expressed +the greatest willingness to accompany him, pledging himself, as Richmond +demanded, to profound secrecy on the subject. + +At the appointed hour--namely, midnight--the duke quitted the castle, +and found Shoreditch waiting for him near the upper gate. The latter was +armed with a stout staff, and a bow and arrows. + +"If we gain sight of the mysterious horseman to-night," he said, "a +cloth-yard shaft shall try whether he is of mortal mould or not. If he +be not a demon, I will warrant he rides no more." + +Quitting the Home Park, they shaped their course at once towards the +forest. It was a stormy night, and the moon was obscured by thick +clouds. Before they reached the hill, at the end of the long avenue, a +heavy thunderstorm came on, and the lightning, playing among the trees, +seemed to reveal a thousand fantastic forms to their half-blinded gaze. +Presently the rain began to descend in torrents, and compelled them to +take refuge beneath a large beech-tree. + +It was evident, notwithstanding his boasting, that the courage of +Shoreditch was waning fast, and he at last proposed to his leader that +they should return as soon as the rain abated. But the duke indignantly +rejected the proposal. + +While they were thus sheltering themselves, the low winding of a horn +was heard. The sound was succeeded by the trampling of horses' hoofs, +and the next moment a vivid flash of lightning showed a hart darting +past, followed by a troop of some twenty ghostly horsemen, headed by the +demon hunter. + +The Duke of Richmond bade his companion send a shaft after them; but the +latter was so overcome by terror that he could scarcely fix an arrow +on the string, and when he bent the bow, the shaft glanced from the +branches of an adjoining tree. + +The storm continued with unabated fury for nearly an hour, at the +expiration of which time it partially cleared off, and though it was +still profoundly dark, the duke insisted upon going on. So they pressed +forward beneath the dripping trees and through the wet grass. Ever and +anon the moon broke through the rifted clouds, and shed a wild glimmer +upon the scene. + +As they were tracking a glade on the farther side of the hill, the +spectral huntsmen again swept past them, and so closely that they could +almost touch their horses. To the duke's horror, he perceived among +them the body of the butcher, Mark Fytton, sitting erect upon a powerful +black steed. + +By this time, Shoreditch, having somewhat regained his courage, +discharged another shaft at the troop. The arrow struck the body of the +butcher, and completely transfixed it, but did not check his career; +while wild and derisive laughter broke from the rest of the cavalcade. + +The Duke of Richmond hurried after the band, trying to keep them in +sight; and Shoreditch, flinging down his bow, which he found useless, +and grasping his staff, endeavoured to keep up with him. But though they +ran swiftly down the glade, and tried to peer through the darkness, they +could see nothing more of the ghostly company. + +After a while they arrived at a hillside, at the foot of which lay the +lake, whose darkling waters were just distinguishable through an opening +in the trees. As the duke was debating with himself whether to go on or +retrace his course, the trampling of a horse was heard behind them, and +looking in the direction of the sound, they beheld Herne the Hunter, +mounted on his swarthy steed and accompanied only by his two black +hounds, galloping furiously down the declivity. Before him flew the owl, +whooping as it sailed along the air. + +The demon hunter was so close to them that they could perfectly discern +his horrible lineaments, the chain depending from his neck, and his +antlered helm. Richmond shouted to him, but the rider continued his +headlong course towards the lake, heedless of the call. + +The two beholders rushed forward, but by this time the huntsman had +gained the edge of the lake. One of his sable hounds plunged into it, +and the owl skimmed over its surface. Even in the hasty view which the +duke caught of the flying figure, he fancied he perceived that it was +attended by a fantastic shadow, whether cast by itself or arising from +some supernatural cause he could not determine. + +But what followed was equally marvellous and incomprehensible. As the +wild huntsman reached the brink of the lake, he placed a horn to his +mouth, and blew from it a bright blue flame, which illumined his own +dusky and hideous features, and shed a wild and unearthly glimmer over +the surrounding objects. + +While enveloped in this flame, the demon plunged into the lake, and +apparently descended to its abysses, for as soon as the duke could +muster courage to approach its brink, nothing could be seen of him, his +steed, or his hounds. + +THUS ENDS THE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLE OF WINDSOR CASTLE + + + + + +BOOK II. HERNE THE HUNTER + + + + +I. + + Of the Compact between Sir Thomas Wyat and Herne the Hunter. + + +On the day after his secret interview with Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas Wyat +received despatches from the king for the court of France. + +"His majesty bade me tell you to make your preparations quickly, Sir +Thomas," said the messenger who delivered the despatches; "he cares not +how soon you set forth." + +"The king's pleasure shall be obeyed," rejoined Wyat. + +And the messenger retired. + +Left alone, Wyat remained for some time in profound and melancholy +thought. Heaving a deep sigh, he then arose, and paced the chamber with +rapid strides. + +"Yes, it is better thus," he ejaculated. "If I remain near her, I shall +do some desperate deed. Better--far better--I should go. And yet to +leave her with Henry--to know that he is ever near her--that he drinks +in the music of her voice, and basks in the sunshine of her smile--while +I am driven forth to darkness and despair--the thought is madness! I +will not obey the hateful mandate! I will stay and defy him!" + +As he uttered aloud this wild and unguarded speech, the arras screening +the door was drawn aside, and gave admittance to Wolsey. + +Wyat's gaze sunk before the penetrating glance fixed upon him by the +Cardinal. + +"I did not come to play the eavesdropper, Sir Thomas," said Wolsey; "but +I have heard enough to place your life in my power. So you refuse to +obey the king's injunctions. You refuse to proceed to Paris. You refuse +to assist in bringing about the divorce, and prefer remaining here to +brave your sovereign, and avenge yourself upon a fickle mistress. Ha?" + +Wyat returned no answer. + +"If such be your purpose," pursued Wolsey, after a pause, during which +he intently scrutinised the knight's countenance, "I will assist you in +it. Be ruled by me, and you shall have a deep and full revenge." + +"Say on," rejoined Wyat, his eyes blazing with infernal fire, and his +hand involuntarily clutching the handle of his dagger. + +"If I read you aright," continued the cardinal, "you are arrived at that +pitch of desperation when life itself becomes indifferent, and when but +one object remains to be gained--" + +"And that is vengeance!" interrupted Wyat fiercely. "Right, +cardinal--right. I will have vengeance--terrible vengeance!" + +"You shall. But I will not deceive you. You will purchase what you seek +at the price of your own head." + +"I care not," replied Wyat. "All sentiments of love and loyalty are +swallowed up by jealousy and burning hate. Nothing but blood can allay +the fever that consumes me. Show me how to slay him!" + +"Him!" echoed the cardinal, in alarm and horror. "Wretch! would you kill +your king? God forbid that I should counsel the injury of a hair of +his head! I do not want you to play the assassin, Wyat," he added more +calmly, "but the just avenger. Liberate the king from the thraldom of +the capricious siren who enslaves him, and you will do a service to the +whole country. A word from you--a letter--a token--will cast her from +the king, and place her on the block. And what matter? The gory scaffold +were better than Henry's bed." + +"I cannot harm her," cried Wyat distractedly. "I love her still, +devotedly as ever. She was in my power yesterday, and without your aid, +cardinal, I could have wreaked my vengeance upon her, if I had been so +minded." + +"You were then in her chamber, as the king suspected?" cried Wolsey, +with a look of exultation. "Trouble yourself no more, Sir Thomas. I will +take the part of vengeance off your hands." + +"My indiscretion will avail you little, cardinal," replied Wyat sternly. +"A hasty word proves nothing. I will perish on the rack sooner than +accuse Anne Boleyn. I am a desperate man, but not so desperate as you +suppose me. A moment ago I might have been led on, by the murderous and +traitorous impulse that prompted me, to lift my hand against the king, +but I never could have injured her." + +"You are a madman!" cried Wolsey impatiently, "and it is a waste of time +to argue with you. I wish you good speed on your journey. On your return +you will find Anne Boleyn Queen of England." + +"And you disgraced," rejoined Wyat, as, with a malignant and vindictive +look, the cardinal quitted the chamber. + +Again left alone, Wyat fell into another fit of despondency from which +he roused himself with difficulty, and went forth to visit the Earl of +Surrey in the Round Tower. + +Some delay occurred before he could obtain access to the earl. The +halberdier stationed at the entrance to the keep near the Norman Tower +refused to admit him without the order of the officer in command of the +tower, and as the latter was not in the way at the moment, Wyat had to +remain without till he made his appearance. + +While thus detained, he beheld Anne Boleyn and her royal lover mount +their steeds in the upper ward, and ride forth, with their attendants, +on a hawking expedition. Anne Boleyn bore a beautiful falcon on her +wrist--Wyat's own gift to her in happier days--and looked full of +coquetry, animation, and delight--without the vestige of a cloud upon +her brow, or a care on her countenance. With increased bitterness +of heart, he turned from the sight, and shrouded himself beneath the +gateway of the Norman Tower. + +Soon after this, the officer appeared, and at once according Wyat +permission to see the earl, preceded him up the long flight of stone +steps communicating with the upper part of the keep, and screened by +an embattled and turreted structure, constituting a covered way to the +Round Tower. + +Arrived at the landing, the officer unlocked a door on the left, and +ushered his companion into the prisoner's chamber. + +Influenced by the circular shape of the structure in which it was +situated, and of which it formed a segment, the farther part of this +chamber was almost lost to view, and a number of cross-beams and wooden +pillars added to its sombre and mysterious appearance. The walls were of +enormous thickness, and a narrow loophole, terminating a deep embrasure, +afforded but scanty light. Opposite the embrasure sat Surrey, at a small +table covered with books and writing materials. A lute lay beside him on +the floor, and there were several astrological and alchemical implements +within reach. + +So immersed was the youthful prisoner in study, that he was not aware, +until a slight exclamation was uttered by Wyat, of the entrance of the +latter. He then arose, and gave him welcome. + +Nothing material passed between them as long as the officer remained +in the chamber, but on his departure Surrey observed laughingly to his +friend, "And how doth my fair cousin, the Lady Anne Boleyn?" + +"She has just ridden forth with the king, to hawk in the park," replied +Wyat moodily. "For myself, l am ordered on a mission to France, but I +could not depart without entreating your forgiveness for the jeopardy in +which I have placed you. Would I could take your place." + +"Do not heed me," replied Surrey; "I am well content with what has +happened. Virgil and Homer, Dante and Petrarch, are the companions of +my confinement; and in good sooth, I am glad to be alone. Amid the +distractions of the court I could find little leisure for the muse." + +"Your situation is, in many respects, enviable, Surrey," replied Wyat. +"Disturbed by no jealous doubts and fears, you can beguile the tedious +hours in the cultivation of your poetical tastes, or in study. Still, I +must needs reproach myself with being the cause of your imprisonment." + +"I repeat, you have done me a service," rejoined the earl, "I would lay +down my life for my fair cousin, Anne Boleyn, and I am glad to be able +to prove the sincerity of my regard for you, Wyat. I applaud the king's +judgment in sending you to France, and if you will be counselled by me, +you will stay there long enough to forget her who now occasions you so +much uneasiness." + +"Will the Fair Geraldine be forgotten when the term of your imprisonment +shall expire, my lord?" asked Wyat. + +"Of a surety not," replied the earl. + +"And yet, in less than two months I shall return from France," rejoined +Wyat. + +"Our cases are not alike," said Surrey. "The Lady Elizabeth Fitzgerald +has plighted her troth to me." + +"Anne Boleyn vowed eternal constancy to me," cried Wyat bitterly; "and +you see how she kept her oath. The absent are always in danger; and few +women are proof against ambition. Vanity--vanity is the rock they +split upon. May you never experience from Richmond the wrong I have +experienced from his father." + +"I have no fear," replied Surrey. + +As he spoke, there was a slight noise in that part of the chamber which +was buried in darkness. + +"Have we a listener here?" cried Wyat, grasping his sword. + +"Not unless it be a four-legged one from the dungeons beneath," replied +Surrey. "But you were speaking of Richmond. He visited me this morning, +and came to relate the particulars of a mysterious adventure that +occurred to him last night." + +And the earl proceeded to detail what had befallen the duke in the +forest. + +"A marvellous story, truly!" said Wyat, pondering upon the relation. "I +will seek out the demon huntsman myself." + +Again a noise similar to that heard a moment before resounded from the +lower part of the room. Wyat immediately flew thither, and drawing his +sword, searched about with its point, but ineffectually. + +"It could not be fancy," he said; "and yet nothing is to be found." + +"I do not like jesting about Herne the Hunter," remarked Surrey, "after +what I myself have seen. In your present frame of mind I advise you not +to hazard an interview with the fiend. He has power over the desperate." + +Wyat returned no answer. He seemed lost in gloomy thought, and soon +afterwards took his leave. + +On returning to his lodgings, he summoned his attendants, and ordered +them to proceed to Kingston, adding that he would join them there +early the next morning. One of them, an old serving-man, noticing the +exceeding haggardness of his looks, endeavoured to persuade him to +go with them; but Wyat, with a harshness totally unlike his customary +manner, which was gracious and kindly in the extreme, peremptorily +refused. + +"You look very ill, Sir Thomas," said the old servant; "worse than I +ever remember seeing you. Listen to my counsel, I beseech you. Plead ill +health with the king in excuse of your mission to France, and retire for +some months to recruit your strength and spirits at Allington." + +"Tush, Adam Twisden! I am well enough," exclaimed Wyat impatiently. "Go +and prepare my mails." + +"My dear, dear master," cried old Adam, bending the knee before him, and +pressing his hand to his lips; "something tells me that if I leave you +now I shall never see you again. There is a paleness in your cheek, and +a fire in your eye, such as I never before observed in you, or in mortal +man. I tremble to say it, but you look like one possessed by the +fiend. Forgive my boldness, sir. I speak from affection and duty. I was +serving-man to your father, good Sir Henry Wyat, before you, and I love +you as a son, while I honour you as a master. I have heard that there +are evil beings in the forest--nay, even within the castle--who lure men +to perdition by promising to accomplish their wicked desires. I trust no +such being has crossed your path." + +"Make yourself easy, good Adam," replied Wyat; "no fiend has tempted +me." + +"Swear it, sir," cried the old man eagerly--"swear it by the Holy +Trinity." + +"By the Holy Trinity, I swear it," replied Wyat. + +As the words were uttered, the door behind the arras was suddenly shut +with violence. + +"Curses on you, villain! you have left the door open," cried Wyat +fiercely. "Our conversation has been overheard." + +"I will soon see by whom," cried Adam, springing to his feet, and +rushing towards the door, which opened upon a long corridor. + +"Well!" cried Wyat, as Adam returned the next moment, with cheeks almost +as white as his own--"was it the cardinal?" + +"It was the devil, I believe!" replied the old man. "I could see no +one." + +"It would not require supernatural power to retreat into an adjoining +chamber!" replied Wyat, affecting an incredulity he was far from +feeling. + +"Your worship's adjuration was strangely interrupted," cried the old +man, crossing himself devoutly. "Saint Dunstan and Saint Christopher +shield us from evil spirits!" + +"A truce to your idle terrors, Adam," said Wyat. "Take these packets," +he added, giving him Henry's despatches, "and guard them as you would +your life. I am going on an expedition of some peril to-night, and +do not choose to keep them about me. Bid the grooms have my steed in +readiness an hour before midnight." + +"I hope your worship is not about to ride into the forest at that hour?" +said Adam, trembling. "I was told by the stout archer, whom the king +dubbed Duke of Shoreditch, that he and the Duke of Richmond ventured +thither last night, and that they saw a legion of demons mounted on +coal-black horses, and amongst them Mark Fytton, the butcher, who was +hanged a few days ago from the Curfew Tower by the king's order, and +whose body so strangely disappeared. Do not go into the forest, dear Sir +Thomas!" + +"No more of this!" cried Wyat fiercely. "Do as I bid you, and if I join +you not before noon to-morrow, proceed to Rochester, and there await my +coming." + +"I never expect to see you again, sir!" groaned the old man, as he took +his leave. + +The anxious concern evinced in his behalf by his old and trusty servant +was not without effect on Sir Thomas Wyat, and made him hesitate in +his design; but by-and-by another access of jealous rage came on, and +overwhelmed all his better resolutions. He remained within his chamber +to a late hour, and then issuing forth, proceeded to the terrace at +the north of the castle, where he was challenged by a sentinel, but was +suffered to pass on, on giving the watch-word. + +The night was profoundly dark, and the whole of the glorious prospect +commanded by the terrace shrouded from view. But Wyat's object in coming +thither was to gaze, for the last time, at that part of the castle which +enclosed Anne Boleyn, and knowing well the situation of her apartments, +he fixed his eyes upon the windows; but although numerous lights +streamed from the adjoining corridor, all here was buried in obscurity. + +Suddenly, however, the chamber was illumined, and he beheld Henry and +Anne Boleyn enter it, preceded by a band of attendants bearing tapers. +It needed not Wyat's jealousy-sharpened gaze to read, even at that +distance, the king's enamoured looks, or Anne Boleyn's responsive +glances. He saw that one of Henry's arms encircled her waist, while the +other caressed her yielding hand. They paused. Henry bent forward, and +Anne half averted her head, but not so much so as to prevent the king +from imprinting a long and fervid kiss upon her lips. + +Terrible was its effect upon Wyat. An adder's bite would have been less +painful. His hands convulsively clutched together; his hair stood erect +upon his head; a shiver ran through his frame; and he tottered back +several paces. When he recovered, Henry had bidden good-night to the +object of his love, and, having nearly gained the door, turned and waved +a tender valediction to her. As soon as he was gone, Anne looked round +with a smile of ineffable pride and pleasure at her attendants, but a +cloud of curtains dropping over the window shrouded her from the sight +of her wretched lover. + +In a state of agitation wholly indescribable, Wyat staggered towards +the edge of the terrace--it might be with the design of flinging himself +from it--but when within a few yards of the low parapet wall defending +its precipitous side, he perceived a tall dark figure standing directly +in his path, and halted. Whether the object he beheld was human or not +he could not determine, but it seemed of more than mortal stature. It +was wrapped in a long black cloak, and wore a high conical cap on its +head. Before Wyat could speak the figure addressed him. + +"You desire to see Herne the Hunter," said the figure, in a deep, +sepulchral tone. "Ride hence to the haunted beechtree near the marsh, at +the farther side of the forest, and you will find him." + +"You are Herne--I feel it," cried Wyat. "Why go into the forest? Speak +now." + +And he stepped forward with the intention of grasping the figure, but it +eluded him, and, with a mocking laugh, melted into the darkness. + +Wyat advanced to the edge of the terrace and looked over the parapet, +but he could see nothing except the tops of the tall trees springing +from the side of the moat. Flying to the sentinel, he inquired whether +any one had passed him, but the man returned an angry denial. + +Awestricken and agitated, Wyat quitted the terrace, and, seeking his +steed, mounted him, and galloped into the forest. + +"If he I have seen be not indeed the fiend, he will scarcely outstrip me +in the race," he cried, as his steed bore him at a furious pace up the +long avenue. + +The gloom was here profound, being increased by the dense masses of +foliage beneath which he was riding. By the time, however, that he +reached the summit of Snow Hill the moon struggled through the clouds, +and threw a wan glimmer over the leafy wilderness around. The deep +slumber of the woods was unbroken by any sound save that of the frenzied +rider bursting through them. + +Well acquainted with the forest, Wyat held on a direct course. His +brain was on fire, and the fury of his career increased his fearful +excitement. Heedless of all impediments, he pressed forward--now dashing +beneath overhanging boughs at the risk of his neck--now skirting the +edge of a glen where a false step might have proved fatal. + +On--on he went, his frenzy increasing each moment. + +At length he reached the woody height overlooking the marshy tract +that formed the limit of his ride. Once more the moon had withdrawn her +lustre, and a huge indistinct black mass alone pointed out the +position of the haunted tree. Around it wheeled a large white owl, +distinguishable by its ghostly plumage through the gloom, like a +sea-bird in a storm, and hooting bodingly as it winged its mystic +flight. No other sound was heard, nor living object seen. + +While gazing into the dreary expanse beneath him, Wyat for the first +time since starting experienced a sensation of doubt and dread; and the +warning of his old and faithful attendant rushed upon his mind. He tried +to recite a prayer, but the words died away on his lips--neither would +his fingers fashion the symbol of a cross. + +But even these admonitions did not restrain him. Springing from his +foaming and panting steed, and taking the bridle in his hand, he +descended the side of the acclivity. Ever and anon a rustling among the +grass told him that a snake, with which description of reptile the spot +abounded, was gliding away from him. His horse, which had hitherto +been all fire and impetuosity, now began to manifest symptoms of alarm, +quivered in every limb, snorted, and required to be dragged along +forcibly. + +When within a few paces of the tree, its enormous rifted trunk became +fully revealed to him; but no one was beside it. Wyat then stood still, +and cried in a loud, commanding tone, "Spirit, I summon thee!--appear!" + +At these words a sound like a peal of thunder rolled over head, +accompanied by screeches of discordant laughter. Other strange and +unearthly noises were heard, and amidst the din a blue phosphoric light +issued from the yawning crevice in the tree, while a tall, gaunt figure, +crested with an antlered helm, sprang from it. At the same moment a +swarm of horribly grotesque, swart objects, looking like imps, appeared +amid the branches of the tree, and grinned and gesticulated at Wyat, +whose courage remained unshaken during the fearful ordeal. Not so his +steed. After rearing and plunging violently, the affrighted animal broke +its hold and darted off into the swamp, where it floundered and was +lost. + +"You have called me, Sir Thomas Wyat," said the demon, in a sepulchral +tone. "I am here. What would you?" + +"My name being known to you, spirit of darkness, my errand should be +also," replied Wyat boldly. + +"Your errand is known to me," replied the demon. "You have lost a +mistress, and would regain her?" + +"I would give my soul to win her back from my kingly rival," cried Wyat. + +"I accept your offer," rejoined the spirit. "Anne Boleyn shall be yours. +Your hand upon the compact." + +Wyat stretched forth his hand, and grasped that of the demon. + +His fingers were compressed as if by a vice, and he felt himself dragged +towards the tree, while a stifling and sulphurous vapour rose around +him. A black veil fell over his head, and was rapidly twined around his +brow in thick folds. + +Amid yells of fiendish laughter he was then lifted from the ground, +thrust into the hollow of the tree, and thence, as it seemed to him, +conveyed into a deep subterranean cave. + + + + +II. + + In what manner Wolsey put his Scheme into Operation. + + +Foiled in his scheme of making Wyat the instrument of Anne Boleyn's +overthrow, Wolsey determined to put into immediate operation the plan +he had conceived of bringing forward a rival to her with the king. If a +choice had been allowed him, he would have selected some high-born dame +for the purpose; but as this was out of the question--and as, indeed, +Henry had of late proved insensible to the attractions of all the +beauties that crowded his court except Anne Boleyn--he trusted to the +forester's fair granddaughter to accomplish his object. The source +whence he had received intelligence of the king's admiration of Mabel +Lyndwood was his jester, Patch--a shrewd varlet who, under the mask +of folly, picked up many an important secret for his master, and was +proportionately rewarded. + +Before executing the scheme, it was necessary to ascertain whether the +damsel's beauty was as extraordinary as it had been represented; and +with this view, Wolsey mounted his mule one morning, and, accompanied by +Patch and another attendant, rode towards the forest. + +It was a bright and beautiful morning, and preoccupied as he was, the +plotting cardinal could not be wholly insensible to the loveliness of +the scene around him. Crossing Spring Hill, he paused at the head of a +long glade, skirted on the right by noble beech-trees whose silver stems +sparkled in the sun shine, and extending down to the thicket now called +Cooke's Hill Wood. From this point, as from every other eminence on +the northern side of the forest, a magnificent view of the castle was +obtained. + +The sight of the kingly pile, towering above its vassal woods, kindled +high and ambitious thoughts in his breast. + +"The lord of that proud structure has been for years swayed by me," +he mused, "and shall the royal puppet be at last wrested from me by a +woman's hand? Not if I can hold my own." + +Roused by the reflection, he quickened his pace, and shaping his course +towards Black Nest, reached in a short time the borders of a wide swamp +lying between the great lake and another pool of water of less extent +situated in the heart of the forest. This wild and dreary marsh, +the haunt of the bittern and the plover, contrasted forcibly and +disagreeably with the rich sylvan district he had just quitted. + +"I should not like to cross this swamp at night," he observed to Patch, +who rode close behind him. + +"Nor I, your grace," replied the buffoon. "We might chance to be led by +a will-o'-the-wisp to a watery grave." + +"Such treacherous fires are not confined to these regions, knave," +rejoined Wolsey. "Mankind are often lured, by delusive gleams of glory +and power, into quagmires deep and pitfalls. Holy Virgin; what have we +here?" + +The exclamation was occasioned by a figure that suddenly emerged from +the ground at a little distance on the right. Wolsey's mule swerved so +much as almost to endanger his seat, and he called out in a loud angry +tone to the author of the annoyance--"Who are you, knave? and what do +you here?" + +I am a keeper of the forest, an't please your grace, replied the +other, doffing his cap, and disclosing harsh features which by no means +recommended him to the cardinal, "and am named Morgan Fenwolf. I +was crouching among the reeds to get a shot at a fat buck, when your +approach called me to my feet." + +"By St. Jude! this is the very fellow, your grace, who shot the +hart-royal the other day," cried Patch. + +"And so preserved the Lady Anne Boleyn," rejoined the cardinal. "Art +sure of it, knave?" + +"As sure as your grace is of canonisation," replied Patch. "That shot +should have brought you a rich reward, friend--either from the king's +highness or the Lady Anne," remarked Wolsey to the keeper. + +"It has brought me nothing," rejoined Fenwolf sullenly. + +"Hum!" exclaimed the cardinal. "Give the fellow a piece of gold, Patch." + +"Methinks I should have better earned your grace's bounty if I had let +the hart work his will," said Fenwolf, reluctantly receiving the coin. + +"How, fellow?" cried the cardinal, knitting his brows. + +"Nay, I mean no offence," replied Fenwolf; "but the rumour goes that +your grace and the Lady Anne are not well affected towards each other." + +"The rumour is false," rejoined the cardinal, "and you can now +contradict it on your own experience. Harkee, sirrah! where lies +Tristram Lyndwood's hut?" + +Fenwolf looked somewhat surprised and confused by the question. + +"It lies on the other side of yonder rising ground, about half a mile +hence," he said. "But if your grace is seeking old Tristram, you will +not find him. I parted with him, half-an-hour ago, on Hawk's Hill, and +he was then on his way to the deer-pen at Bray Wood." + +"If I see his granddaughter Mabel, it will suffice," rejoined the +cardinal. "I am told she is a comely damsel. Is it so?" + +"I am but an indifferent judge of beauty," replied Fenwolf moodily. + +"Lead my mule across this swamp, thou senseless loon," said the +cardinal, "and I will give thee my blessing." + +With a very ill grace Fenwolf complied, and conducted Wolsey to the +farther side of the marsh. + +"If your grace pursues the path over the hill," he said, "and then +strikes into the first opening on the right, it will bring you to the +place you seek." And, without waiting for the promised blessing, he +disappeared among the trees. + +On reaching the top of the hill, Wolsey descried the hut through an +opening in the trees at a few hundred yards' distance. It was pleasantly +situated on the brink of the lake, at the point where its width was +greatest, and where it was fed by a brook that flowed into it from a +large pool of water near Sunninghill. + +From the high ground where Wolsey now stood the view of the lake was +beautiful. For nearly a mile its shining expanse was seen stretching out +between banks of varied form, sometimes embayed, sometimes running out +into little headlands, but everywhere clothed with timber almost to the +water's edge. Wild fowl skimmed over its glassy surface, or dipped in +search of its finny prey, and here and there a heron might be detected +standing in some shallow nook, and feasting on the smaller fry. A flight +of cawing rooks were settling upon the tall trees on the right bank, and +the voices of the thrush, the blackbird, and other feathered songsters +burst in redundant melody from the nearer groves. + +A verdant path, partly beneath the trees, and partly on the side of the +lake, led Wolsey to the forester's hut. Constructed of wood and clay, +with a thatched roof, green with moss, and half overgrown with ivy, the +little building was in admirable keeping with the surrounding scenery. +Opposite the door, and opening upon the lake, stood a little boathouse, +and beside it a few wooden steps, defended by a handrail, ran into +the water. A few yards beyond the boathouse the brook before mentioned +emptied its waters into the lake. + +Gazing with much internal satisfaction at the hut, Wolsey bade Patch +dismount, and ascertain whether Mabel was within. The buffoon obeyed, +tried the door, and finding it fastened, knocked, but to no purpose. + +After a pause of a few minutes, the cardinal was turning away in extreme +disappointment, when a small skiff, rowed by a female hand, shot round +an angle of the lake and swiftly approached them. A glance from Patch +would have told Wolsey, had he required any such information, that this +was the forester's granddaughter. Her beauty quite ravished him, and +drew from him an exclamation of wonder and delight. Features regular, +exquisitely moulded, and of a joyous expression, a skin dyed like a +peach by the sun, but so as to improve rather than impair its hue; eyes +bright, laughing, and blue as a summer sky; ripe, ruddy lips, and pearly +teeth; and hair of a light and glossy brown, constituted the sum of +her attractions. Her sylph-like figure was charmingly displayed by +the graceful exercise on which she was engaged, and her small hands, +seemingly scarcely able to grasp an oar, impelled the skiff forwards +with marvellous velocity, and apparently without much exertion on her +part. + +Unabashed by the presence of the strangers, though Wolsey's attire could +leave her in no doubt as to his high ecclesiastical dignity, she sprang +ashore at the landing-place, and fastened her bark to the side of the +boathouse. + +"You are Mabel Lyndwood, I presume, fair maiden?" inquired the cardinal, +in his blandest tones. + +"Such is my name, your grace," she replied; "for your garb tells me I am +addressing Cardinal Wolsey." + +The cardinal graciously inclined his head. + +"Chancing to ride in this part of the forest," he said, "and having +heard of your beauty, I came to see whether the reality equalled the +description, and I find it far transcends it." + +Mabel blushed deeply, and cast down her eyes. + +"Would that Henry could see her now!" thought the cardinal, "Anne +Boleyn's reign were nigh at an end.--How long have you dwelt in this +cottage, fair maid?" he added aloud. + +"My grandsire, Tristram Lyndwood, has lived here fifty years and more," +replied Mabel, "but I have only been its inmate within these few weeks. +Before that time I lived at Chertsey, under the care of one of the lay +sisters of the monastery there--Sister Anastasia." + +"And your parents--where are they?" asked the cardinal curiously. + +"Alas! your grace, I have none," replied Mabel with a sigh. "Tristram +Lyndwood is my only living relative. He used to come over once a month +to see me at Chertsey--and latterly, finding his dwelling lonely, for +he lost the old dame who tended it for him, he brought me to dwell with +him. Sister Anastasia was loth to part with me--and I was grieved to +leave her--but I could not refuse my grandsire." + +"Of a surety not," replied the cardinal musingly, and gazing hard at +her. "And you know nothing of your parents?" + +"Little beyond this," replied Mabel:--"My father was a keeper of the +forest, and being unhappily gored by a stag, perished of the wound--for +a hurt from a hart's horn, as your grace knows, is certain death; and +my mother pined after him and speedily followed him to the grave. I +was then placed by my grandsire with Sister Anastasia, as I have just +related--and this is all my history." + +"A simple yet a curious one," said Wolsey, still musing. "You are the +fairest maid of low degree I ever beheld. You saw the king at the chase +the other day, Mabel?" + +"Truly, did I, your grace," she replied, her eyes brightening and her +colour rising; "and a right noble king he is." + +"And as gentle and winning as he is goodly to look upon," said Wolsey, +smiling. + +"Report says otherwise," rejoined Mabel. + +"Report speaks falsely," cried Wolsey; "I know him well, and he is what +I describe him." + +"I am glad to hear it," replied Mabel; "and I must own I formed the same +opinion myself--for the smile he threw upon me was one of the sweetest +and kindliest I ever beheld." + +"Since you confess so much, fair maiden," rejoined Wolsey, "I will be +equally frank, and tell you it was from the king's own lips I heard of +your beauty." + +"Your grace!" she exclaimed. + +"Well, well," said Wolsey, smiling, "if the king is bewitched, I cannot +marvel at it. And now, good day, fair maiden; you will hear more of me." + +"Your grace will not refuse me your blessing?" said Mabel. + +"Assuredly not, my child," replied Wolsey, stretching his hands over +her. "All good angels and saints bless you, and hold you in their +keeping. Mark my words: a great destiny awaits you; but in all changes, +rest assured you will find a friend in Cardinal Wolsey." + +"Your grace overwhelms me with kindness," cried Mabel; "nor can I +conceive how I have found an interest in your eyes--unless Sister +Anastasia or Father Anslem, of Chertsey Abbey, may have mentioned me to +you." + +"You have found a more potent advocate with me than either Sister +Anastasia or Father Anselm," replied Wolsey; "and now, farewell." + +And turning the head of his mule, he rode slowly away. + +On the same day there was a great banquet in the castle, and, as usual, +Wolsey took his station on the right of the sovereign, while the papal +legate occupied a place on the left. Watching a favourable opportunity, +Wolsey observed to Henry that he had been riding that morning in the +forest, and had seen the loveliest damsel that eyes ever fell upon. + +"Ah! by our Lady! and who may she be?" asked the king curiously. + +"She can boast little in regard to birth, being grandchild to an old +forester," replied Wolsey; "but your majesty saw her at the hunting +party the other day." + +"Ah, now I bethink me of her," said Henry. "A comely damsel, in good +sooth." + +"I know not where her match is to be found," cried the cardinal. "Would +your majesty had seen her skim over the lake in a fairy boat managed by +herself, as I beheld her this morning. You would have taken her for a +water-sprite, except that no water-sprite was half so beautiful." + +"You speak in raptures, cardinal," cried Henry. "I must see this +damsel again. Where does she dwell? I have heard, but it has slipped my +memory." + +"In a hut near the great lake," replied Wolsey. "There is some mystery +attached to her birth, which I have not yet fathomed." + +"Leave me to unriddle it," replied the king laughingly. + +And he turned to talk on other subjects to Campeggio, but Wolsey felt +satisfied that the device was successful. Nor was he mistaken. As Henry +retired from the banquet, he motioned the Duke of Suffolk towards him, +and said, in an undertone--"I shall go forth at dusk to-morrow even in +disguise, and shall require your attendance." + +"On a love affair?" asked the duke, in the same tone. + +"Perchance," replied Henry; "but I will explain myself more fully anon." + +This muttered colloquy was overheard by Patch, and faithfully reported +by him to the cardinal. + + + + +III. + + Of the Visit of the Two Guildford Merchants to the + Forester's Hut. + + +Tristam Lyndwood did not return home till late in the evening; and when +informed of the cardinal's visit, he shook his head gravely. + +"I am sorry we went to the hunting party," he observed. "Valentine +Hagthorne said mischief would come of it, and I wish I had attended to +his advice." + +"I see no mischief in the matter, grandsire," cried Mabel. "On the +contrary, I think I have met with excellent fortune. The good cardinal +promises me a high destiny, and says the king himself noticed me." + +"Would his regards had fallen anywhere than on you," rejoined Tristram. +"But I warrant me you told the cardinal your history--all you know of +it, at least." + +"I did so," she replied; "nor did I know I was doing any harm." + +"Answer no such inquiries in future," said Tristram angrily. + +"But, grandfather, I could not refuse to answer the cardinal," she +replied, in a deprecating voice. + +"No more excuses, but attend to my injunctions," said Tristram. "Have +you seen Morgan Fenwolf to-day?" + +"No; and I care not if I never see him again," she replied pettishly. + +"You dislike him strangely, Mab," rejoined her grandfather; "he is the +best keeper in the forest, and makes no secret of his love for you." + +"The very reason why I dislike him," she returned. + +"By the same rule, if what the cardinal stated be true--though, trust +me, he was but jesting--you ought to dislike the king. But get my +supper. I have need of it, for I have fasted long." + +Mabel hastened to obey, and set a mess of hot pottage and other viands +before him. Little more conversation passed between them, for the old +man was weary, and sought his couch early. + +That night Mabel did nothing but dream of the king--of stately chambers, +rich apparel, and countless attendants. She awoke, and finding herself +in a lowly cottage, and without a single attendant, was, like other +dreamers of imaginary splendour, greatly discontented. + +The next morning her grandsire went again to Bray Wood, and she was +left to muse upon the event of the previous day. While busied about +some trifling occupation, the door suddenly opened, and Morgan Fenwolf +entered the cottage. He was followed by a tall man, with a countenance +of extreme paleness, but a noble and commanding figure. There was +something so striking in the appearance of the latter person, that it +riveted the attention of Mabel. But no corresponding effect was produced +on the stranger, for he scarcely bestowed a look upon her. + +Morgan Fenwolf hastily asked whether her grandsire was at home, or near +at hand, and being answered in the negative, appeared much disappointed. +He then said that he must borrow the skiff for a short while, as he +wished to visit some nets on the lake. Mabel readily assented, and +the stranger quitted the house, while Fenwolf lingered to offer some +attention to Mabel, which was so ill received that he was fain to hurry +forth to the boathouse, where he embarked with his companion. As soon as +the plash of oars announced their departure, Mabel went forth to watch +them. The stranger, who was seated in the stern of the boat, for the +first time fixed his large melancholy eyes full upon her, and did not +withdraw his gaze till an angle of the lake hid him from view. + +Marvelling who he could be, and reproaching herself for not questioning +Fenwolf on the subject, Mabel resolved to repair the error when the +skiff was brought back. But the opportunity did not speedily occur. +Hours flew by, the shades of evening drew on, but neither Fenwolf nor +the stranger returned. + +Soon after dusk her grandfather came home. He did not express the least +astonishment at Fenwolf's prolonged absence, but said that he was sure +to be back in the course of the evening, and the skiff was not wanted. + +"He will bring us a fine jack or a carp for dinner to-morrow, I'll +warrant me," he said. "If he had returned in time we might have had +fish for supper. No matter. I must make shift with the mutton pie and a +rasher of bacon. Morgan did not mention the name of his companion, you +say?" + +"He did not," replied Mabel; "but I hope he will bring him with him. He +is the goodliest gentleman I ever beheld." + +"What! a goodlier gentleman than the king!" cried Tristram. + +"Nay, they should not be compared," replied Mabel: "the one is stout +and burly; the other slight, long-visaged, and pale, but handsome +withal--very handsome." + +"Well, I daresay I shall see him anon," said Tristram. "And now for +supper, for I am as sharp-set as a wolf; and so is old Hubert," he +added, glancing affectionately at the hound by which he was attended. + +Mabel placed the better part of a huge pie before him, which the old +forester attacked with great zeal. He then fell to work upon some slices +of bacon toasted over the embers by his granddaughter, and having washed +them down with a jug of mead, declared he had supped famously. While +taking care of himself, he did not forget his hound. From time to time +he threw him morsels of the pie, and when he had done he gave him a +large platterful of bones. + +"Old Hubert has served me faithfully nigh twenty years," he said, +patting the hound's shaggy neck, "and must not be neglected." + +Throwing a log of wood on the fire, he drew his chair into the +ingle-nook, and disposed himself to slumber. Meanwhile, Mabel busied +herself about her household concern, and was singing a lulling melody to +her grandfather, in a voice of exquisite sweetness, when a loud tap was +heard at the door. Tristram roused himself from his doze, and old Hubert +growled menacingly. + +"Quiet, Hubert--quiet!" cried Tristram. "It cannot be Morgan Fenwolf," +he added. "He would never knock thus. Come in, friend, whoever thou +art." + +At this invitation two persons darkened the doorway. The foremost was a +man of bulky frame and burly demeanour. He was attired in a buff jerkin, +over which he wore a loose great surcoat; had a flat velvet cap on his +head; and carried a stout staff in his hand. His face was broad and +handsome, though his features could scarcely be discerned in the +doubtful light to which they were submitted. A reddish-coloured beard +clothed his chin. His companion, who appeared a trifle the taller of the +two, and equally robust, was wrapped in a cloak of dark green camlet. + +"Give you good e'en, friend," said the foremost stranger to the +forester. "We are belated travellers, on our way from Guildford +to Windsor, and, seeing your cottage, have called to obtain some +refreshment before we cross the great park. We do not ask you to bestow +a meal upon us, but will gladly pay for the best your larder affords." + +"You shall have it, and welcome, my masters," replied Tristram, "but I am +afraid my humble fare will scarcely suit you." + +"Fear nothing," replied the other; "we have good appetites, and are not +over dainty. Beshrew me, friend," he added, regarding Mabel, "you have a +comely daughter." + +"She is my granddaughter, sir," replied Tristram. + +"Well, your granddaughter, then," said the other; "by the mass, a lovely +wench. We have none such in Guildford, and I doubt if the king hath such +in Windsor Castle. What say you, Charles Brandon?" + +"It were treason to agree with you, Harry La Roy," replied Brandon, +laughing, "for they say the king visits with the halter all those who +disparage the charms of the Lady Anne Boleyn. But, comparisons apart, +this damsel is very fair." + +"You will discompose her, my masters, if you praise her thus to her +face," said Tristram somewhat testily. "Here, Mab, bring forth all my +scanty larder affords, and put some rashers of bacon on the fire." + +"Cold meat and bread will suffice for us," said Harry: "we will not +trouble the damsel to play the cook." + +With this Mabel, who appeared a good deal embarrassed by the presence of +the strangers, spread a cloth of snow-white linen on the little table, +and placed the remains of the pie and a large oven cake before them. The +new-comers sate down, and ate heartily of the humble viands, he who had +answered to the name of Harry frequently stopping in the course of his +repast to compliment his fair attendant. + +"By our Lady, I have never been so waited on before," he added, rising +and removing his stool towards the fire, while his companion took up a +position, with his back against the wall, near the fireplace. "And now, +my pretty Mabel, have you never a cup of ale to wash down the pie?" + +"I can offer you a draught of right good mead, master," said Tristram; +"and that is the only liquor my cottage can furnish." + +"Nothing can be better," replied Harry. "The mead, by all means." + +While Mabel went to draw the liquor, Tristram fixed his eyes on Harry, +whose features were now fully revealed by the light of the fire. + +"Why do you look at me so hard, friend?" demanded Harry bluffly. + +"I have seen some one very like you, master," replied Tristram, "and one +whom it is no light honour to resemble." + +"You mean the king," returned Harry, laughing. "You are not the first +person who has thought me like him." + +"You are vain of the likeness, I see, master," replied Tristram, joining +in the laugh. "How say you, Mab?" he added to his granddaughter, who at +that moment returned with a jug and a couple of drinking-horns. "Whom +does this gentleman resemble?" + +"No one," returned Mabel, without raising her eyes. + +"No one," echoed Harry, chucking her under the chin. "Look me full in +the face, and you will find out your mistake. Marry, if I were the royal +Henry, instead of what I am, a plain Guildford merchant, I should prefer +you to Anne Boleyn." + +"Is that said in good sooth, sir?" asked Mabel, slightly raising +her eyes, and instantly dropping them before the ardent gaze of the +self-styled merchant. + +"In good sooth and sober truth," replied Henry, rounding his arm and +placing his hand on his lusty thigh in true royal fashion. + +"Were you the royal Henry, I should not care for your preference," said +Mabel more confidently. "My grandsire says the king changes his love as +often as the moon changes--nay, oftener." + +"God's death!--your grandsire is a false knave to say so! cried Harry. + +"Heaven help us! you swear the king's oaths," said Mabel. "And wherefore +not, sweetheart?" said Harry, checking himself. "It is enough to make +one swear, and in a royal fashion too, to hear one's liege lord unjustly +accused. I have ever heard the king styled a mirror of constancy. How +say you, Charles Brandon?--can you not give him a good character?" + +"Oh! an excellent character," said Brandon. "He is constancy +itself--while the fit lasts," he added, aside. + +"You hear what my friend says, sweetheart," observed Harry; "and I +assure you he has the best opportunities of judging. But I'll be sworn +you did not believe your grand-sire when he thus maligned the king." + +"She contradicted me flatly," said Tristram. "But pour out the mead, +girl; our guests are waiting for it." + +While Mabel, in compliance with her grandsire's directions, filled the +horn, the door of the cottage was noiselessly opened by Morgan Fenwolf, +who stepped in, followed by Bawsey. He stared inquisitively at the +strangers, but both were so much occupied by the damsel that he remained +unnoticed. A sign from the old forester told him he had better retire: +jealous curiosity, however, detained him, and he tarried till Harry had +received the cup from Mabel, and drained it to her health. He then drew +back, closed the door softly, and joined a dark and mysterious figure, +with hideous lineaments and an antlered helm upon its brows, lurking +outside the cottage. + +Meanwhile, a cup of mead having been offered to Brandon, he observed to +his companion, "We must now be setting forth on our journey. Night is +advancing, and we have five long miles to traverse across the great +park." + +"I would stay where I am," rejoined Harry, "and make a bench near +the fire serve me in lieu of a couch, but that business requires our +presence at the castle to-night. There is payment for our meal, friend," +he added, giving a mark to Tristram, "and as we shall probably return +to-morrow night, we will call and have another supper with you. Provide +us a capon, and some fish from the lake." + +"You pay as you swear, good sir, royally," replied Tristram. "You shall +have a better supper to-morrow night." + +"You have a dangerous journey before you, sir," said Mabel. "They say +there are plunderers and evil spirits in the great park." + +"I have no fear of any such, sweetheart," replied Harry. "I have a +strong arm to defend myself, and so has my friend Charles Brandon. And +as to evil spirits, a kiss from you will shield me from all ill." + +And as he spoke, he drew her towards him, and clasping her in his arms, +imprinted a score of rapid kisses on her lips. + +"Hold! hold, master!" cried Tristram, rising angrily; "this may not be. +'Tis an arrant abuse of hospitality." + +"Nay, be not offended, good friend," replied Harry, laughing. "I am +on the look-out for a wife, and I know not but I may take your +granddaughter with me to Guildford." + +"She is not to be so lightly won," cried Tristram; "for though I am but +a poor forester, I rate her as highly as the haughtiest noble can rate +his child." + +"And with reason," said Harry. "Good-night, sweet-heart! By my crown, +Suffolk!" he exclaimed to his companion, as he quitted the cottage, "she +is an angel, and shall be mine." + +"Not if my arm serves me truly," muttered Fenwolf, who, with his +mysterious companion, had stationed himself at the window of the hut. + +"Do him no injury," returned the other; "he is only to be made +captive-mark that. And now to apprise Sir Thomas Wyat. We must intercept +them before they reach their horses." + + + + +IV. + + How Herne the Hunter showed the Earl of Surrey the Fair + Geraldine in a Vision. + + +On the third day after Surrey's imprisonment in the keep, he was removed +to the Norman Tower. The chamber allotted him was square, tolerably +lofty, and had two narrow-pointed windows on either side, looking on +the one hand into the upper quadrangle, and on the other into the middle +ward. At the same time permission was accorded him to take exercise on +the battlements of the Round Tower, or within the dry and grassy moat at +its foot. + +The Fair Geraldine, he was informed, had been sent to the royal palace +at Greenwich; but her absence occasioned him little disquietude, because +he knew, if she had remained at Windsor, he would not have been allowed +to see her. + +On the same day that Surrey was removed to the Norman Tower, the Duke +of Richmond quitted the castle without assigning any motive for his +departure, or even taking leave of his friend. At first some jealous +mistrust that he might be gone to renew his suit to the Fair +Geraldine troubled the earl; but he strongly combated the feeling, as +calculated, if indulged, to destroy his tranquillity; and by fixing +his thoughts sedulously on other subjects, he speedily succeeded in +overcoming it. + +On that night, while occupied in a translation of the Aeneid which he +had commenced, he remained at his task till a late hour. The midnight +bell had tolled, when, looking up, he was startled by perceiving a tall +figure standing silent and motionless beside him. + +Independently of the difficulty of accounting for its presence, the +appearance of the figure was in itself sufficiently appalling. It was +above the ordinary stature, and was enveloped in a long black cloak, +while a tall, conical black cap, which added to its height, and +increased the hideousness of its features, covered its head. + +For a few minutes Surrey remained gazing at the figure in mute +astonishment, during which it maintained the same motionless posture. At +length he was able to murmur forth the interrogation, "Who art thou?" + +"A friend," replied the figure, in a sepulchral tone. + +"Are you a man or spirit?" demanded Surrey. + +"It matters not--I am a friend," rejoined the figure. + +"On what errand come you here?" asked Surrey. + +"To serve you," replied the figure; "to liberate you. You shall go hence +with me, if you choose." + +"On what condition?" rejoined Surrey. + +"We will speak of that when we are out of the castle, and on the green +sod of the forest," returned the figure. + +"You tempt in vain," cried Surrey. "I will not go with you. I recognise +in you the demon hunter Herne." The figure laughed hollowly--so hollowly +that Surrey's flesh crept upon his bones. + +"You are right, lord of Surrey," he said; "I am Herne the Hunter. You +must join me. Sir Thomas Wyat is already one of my band." + +"You lie, false fiend!" rejoined Surrey. "Sir Thomas Wyat is in France." + +"It is you who lie, lord of Surrey," replied Herne; "Sir Thomas Wyat is +now in the great park. You shall see him in a few minutes, if you will +come with me." + +"I disbelieve you, tempter!" cried Surrey indignantly. "Wyat is too good +a Christian, and too worthy a knight, to league with a demon." + +Again Herne laughed bitterly. + +"Sir Thomas Wyat told you he would seek me out," said the demon. "He did +so, and gave himself to me for Anne Boleyn." + +"But you have no power over her, demon?" cried Surrey, shuddering. + +"You will learn whether I have or not, in due time," replied Herne. "Do +you refuse to go with me?" + +"I refuse to deliver myself to perdition," rejoined the earl. + +"An idle fear," rejoined Herne. "I care not for your soul--you will +destroy it without my aid. I have need of you. You shall be back again +in this chamber before the officer visits it in the morning, and no one +shall be aware of your absence. Come, or I will bear you hence." + +"You dare not touch me," replied Surrey, placing his hand upon his +breast; "I am armed with a holy relic." + +"I know it," said Herne; "and I feel its power, or I would not have +trifled with you thus long. But it cannot shield you from a rival. You +believe the Fair Geraldine constant--ha?" + +"I know her to be so," said Surrey. + +A derisive laugh broke from Herne. + +"Peace, mocking fiend!" cried Surrey furiously. + +"I laugh to think how you are deceived," said Herne. "Would you behold +your mistress now?--would you see how she conducts herself during your +absence?" + +"If you choose to try me, I will not oppose the attempt," replied +Surrey; "but it will be futile." + +"Remove the relic from your person," rejoined Herne. "Place it upon the +table, within your grasp, and you shall see her." + +Surrey hesitated; but he was not proof against the low mocking laugh of +the demon. + +"No harm can result from it," he cried at length, detaching the relic +from his neck, and laying it on the table. + +"Extinguish the light!" cried Herne, in a commanding voice. + +Surrey instantly sprang to his feet, and dashed the lamp off the table. +"Behold!" cried the demon. + +And instantly a vision, representing the form and lineaments of the +Fair Geraldine to the life, shone forth against the opposite wall of the +chamber. At the feet of the visionary damsel knelt a shape resembling +the Duke of Richmond. He was pressing the hand extended to him by +the Fair Geraldine to his lips, and a smile of triumph irradiated his +features. + +"Such is man's friendship--such woman's constancy!" cried Herne. "Are +you now satisfied?" + +"I am, that you have deceived me, false spirit!" cried the earl. "I +would not believe the Fair Geraldine inconstant, though all hell told me +so." + +A terrible laugh broke from the demon, and the vision faded away. All +became perfect darkness, and for a few moments the earl remained silent. +He then called to the demon, but receiving no answer, put forth his hand +towards the spot where he had stood. He was gone. + +Confounded, Surrey returned to the table, and searched for the relic, +but, with a feeling of indescribable anguish and self-reproach, found +that it had likewise disappeared. + + + + +V. + + What befell Sir Thomas Wyat in the Sandstone Cave--And how + he drank a maddening Potion. + + +THE cave in which Sir Thomas Wyat found himself, on the removal of the +bandage from his eyes, was apparently--for it was only lighted by a +single torch--of considerable width and extent, and hewn out of a bed +of soft sandstone. The roof, which might be about ten feet high, was +supported by the trunks of three large trees rudely fashioned into +pillars. There were several narrow lateral passages within it, +apparently communicating with other caverns; and at the farther end, +which was almost buried in obscurity, there was a gleam seemingly +occasioned by the reflection of the torchlight upon water. On the right +hand stood a pile of huge stones, disposed somewhat in the form of a +Druidical altar, on the top of which, as on a throne, sat the demon +hunter, surrounded by his satellites--one of whom, horned and bearded +like a satyr, had clambered the roughened sides of the central pillar, +and held a torch over the captive's head. + +Half-stifled by the noxious vapour he had inhaled, and blinded by the +tightness of the bandage, it was some time before Wyat fully recovered +his powers of sight and utterance. + +"Why am I brought hither, false fiend?" he demanded at length. + +"To join my band," replied the demon harshly and imperiously. + +"Never!" rejoined Wyat. "I will have nought to do with you, except as +regards our compact." + +"What I require from you is part of our compact," rejoined the demon. +"He who has once closed hands with Herne the Hunter cannot retreat. But +I mean you fairly, and will not delude you with false expectation. What +you seek cannot be accomplished on the instant. Ere three days Anne +Boleyn shall be yours." + +"Give me some proof that you are not deceiving me, spirit," said Wyat. + +"Come, then!" replied Herne. So saying, he sprang from the stone, and, +taking Wyat's hand, led him towards the lower end of the cave, which +gradually declined till it reached the edge of a small but apparently +deep pool of water, the level of which rose above the rock that formed +its boundary. + +"Remove the torch!" thundered the demon to those behind. "Now summon +your false love, Sir Thomas Wyat," he added, as his orders were obeyed, +and the light was taken into one of the side passages, so that its gleam +no longer fell upon the water. + +"Appear, Anne Boleyn!" cried Wyat. + +Upon this a shadowy resemblance of her he had invoked flitted over the +surface of the water, with hands outstretched towards him. So moved was +Wyat by the vision, that he would have flung himself into the pool to +grasp it if he had not been forcibly detained by the demon. During the +struggle the figure vanished, and all was buried in darkness. + +"I have said she shall be yours," cried Herne; "but time is required for +the accomplishment of my purpose. I have only power over her when evil +is predominant in her heart. But such moments are not unfrequent," he +added, with a bitter laugh. "And now to the chase. I promise you it will +be a wilder and more exciting ride than you ever enjoyed in the king's +company. To the chase!--to the chase, I say!" + +Sounding a call upon his horn, the light instantly reappeared. All was +stir and confusion amid the impish troop--and presently afterwards a +number of coal-black horses, and hounds of the same hue, leashed in +couples, were brought out of one of the side passages. Among the latter +were two large sable hounds of Saint Hubert's breed, whom Herne summoned +to his side by the names of Saturn and Dragon. + +A slight noise, as of a blow dealt against a tree, was now heard +overhead, and Herne, imposing silence on the group by a hasty gesture, +assumed an attitude of fixed attention. The stroke was repeated a second +time. + +"It is our brother, Morgan Fenwolf," cried the demon. + +Catching hold of a chain hanging from the roof, which Wyat had not +hitherto noticed, he swung himself into a crevice above, and disappeared +from view. During the absence of their leader the troop remained +motionless and silent. + +A few minutes afterwards Herne reappeared at the upper end of the cave. +He was accompanied by Fenwolf, between whom and Wyat a slight glance of +recognition passed. + +The order being given by the demon to mount, Wyat, after an instant's +hesitation, seized the flowing mane of the horse nearest him--for it was +furnished neither with saddle nor bridle-and vaulted upon its back. At +the same moment Herne uttered a wild cry, and plunging into the pool, +sunk within it. Wyat's steed followed, and swam swiftly forward beneath +the water. + +When Wyat rose to the surface, he found himself in the open lake, which +was gleaming in the moonlight. Before him he beheld Herne clambering the +bank, accompanied by his two favourite hounds, while a large white +owl wheeled round his head, hooting loudly. Behind came the grisly +cavalcade, with their hounds, swimming from beneath a bank covered by +thick overhanging trees, which completely screened the secret entrance +to the cave. Having no control over his steed, Wyat was obliged to +surrender himself to its guidance, and was soon placed by the side of +the demon hunter. + +"Pledge me, Sir Thomas Wyat," said Herne, unslinging a gourd-shaped +flask from his girdle, and offering it to him. "'Tis a rare wine, and +will prevent you from suffering from your bath, as well as give you +spirits for the chase." + +Chilled to the bone by the immersion he had undergone, Wyat did not +refuse the offer, but placing the flask to his lips took a deep draught +from it. The demon uttered a low bitter laugh as he received back the +flask, and he slung it to his girdle without tasting it. + +The effect of the potion upon Wyat was extraordinary. The whole scene +seemed to dance around him;-the impish figures in the lake, or upon its +bank, assumed forms yet more fantastic; the horses looked like monsters +of the deep; the hounds like wolves and ferocious beasts; the branches +of the trees writhed and shot forward like hissing serpents;--and though +this effect speedily passed off, it left behind it a wild and maddening +feeling of excitement. + +"A noble hart is lying in yon glen," said Morgan Fenwolf, advancing +towards his leader; "I tracked his slot thither this evening." + +"Haste, and unharbour him," replied Herne, "and as soon as you rouse +him, give the halloa." Fenwolf obeyed; and shortly afterwards a cry was +heard from the glen. + +"List halloa! list halloa!" cried Herne, "that's he! that's he! hyke! +Saturn! hyke, Dragon--Away!--away, my merry men all." + + + + +VI. + + How Sir Thomas Wyat hunted with Herne. + + +Accompanied by Wyat, and followed by the whole cavalcade, Herne dashed +into the glen, where Fenwolf awaited him. Threading the hollow, the +troop descried the hart flying swiftly along a sweeping glade at +some two hundred yards distance. The glade was passed--a woody knoll +skirted--a valley traversed--and the hart plunged into a thick grove +clothing the side of Hawk's Hill. But it offered him no secure retreat. +Dragon and Saturn were close upon him, and behind them came Herne, +crashing through the branches of the trees, and heedless of all +impediments. By-and-by the thicket became more open, and they entered +Cranbourne Chase. But the hart soon quitted it to return to the great +park, and darted down a declivity skirted by a line of noble oaks. Here +he was so hotly pressed by his fierce opponents, whose fangs he could +almost feel within his haunches, that he suddenly stopped and stood at +bay, receiving the foremost of his assailants, Saturn, on the points of +his horns. But his defence, though gallant, was unavailing. In another +instant Herne came up, and, dismounting, called off Dragon, who was +about to take the place of his wounded companion. Drawing a knife from +his girdle, the hunter threw himself on the ground, and, advancing on +all fours towards the hart, could scarcely be distinguished himself +from some denizen of the forest. As he approached the hart snorted and +bellowed fiercely, and dashed its horns against him; but the blow was +received by the hunter upon his own antlered helm, and at the same +moment his knife was thrust to the hilt into the stag's throat, and it +fell to the ground. + +Springing to his feet, Herne whooped joyfully, placed his bugle to his +lips, and blew the dead mot. He then shouted to Fenwolf to call away and +couple the hounds, and, striking off the deer's right forefoot with his +knife, presented it to Wyat. Several large leafy branches being gathered +and laid upon the ground, the hart was placed upon them, and Herne +commenced breaking him up, as the process of dismembering the deer is +termed in the language of woodcraft. His first step was to cut off +the animal's head, which he performed by a single blow with his heavy +trenchant knife. + +"Give the hounds the flesh," he said, delivering the trophy to Fenwolf; +"but keep the antlers, for it is a great deer of head." + +Placing the head on a hunting-pole, Fenwolf withdrew to an open space +among the trees, and, halloing to the others, they immediately cast off +the hounds, who rushed towards him, leaping and baying at the +stag's head, which he alternately raised and lowered until they were +sufficiently excited, when he threw it on the ground before them. + +While this was going forward the rest of the band were occupied in +various ways--some striking a light with flint and steel--some gathering +together sticks and dried leaves to form a fire--others producing +various strange-shaped cooking utensils--while others were assisting +their leader in his butcherly task, which he executed with infinite +skill and expedition. + +As soon as the fire was kindled, Herne distributed certain portions of +the venison among his followers, which were instantly thrown upon the +embers to broil; while a few choice morsels were stewed in a pan with +wine, and subsequently offered to the leader and Wyat. + +This hasty repast concluded, the demon ordered the fire to be +extinguished, and the quarters of the deer to be carried to the cave. He +then mounted his steed, and, attended by Wyat and the rest of his troop, +except those engaged in executing his orders, galloped towards Snow +Hill, where he speedily succeeded in unharbouring another noble hart. + +Away then went the whole party--stag, hounds, huntsmen, sweeping like a +dark cloud down the hill, and crossing the wide moonlit glade, studded +with noble trees, on the west of the great avenue. + +For a while the hart held a course parallel with the avenue; he then +dashed across it, threaded the intricate woods on the opposite side, +tracked a long glen, and leaping the pales, entered the home park. It +almost seemed as if he designed to seek shelter within the castle, for +he made straight towards it, and was only diverted by Herne himself, +who, shooting past him with incredible swiftness, turned him towards the +lower part of the park. + +Here the chase continued with unabated ardour, until, reaching the banks +of the Thames, the hart plunged into it, and suffered himself to be +carried noiselessly down the current. But Herne followed him along the +banks, and when sufficiently near, dashed into the stream, and drove him +again ashore. + +Once more they flew across the home park--once more they leaped its +pales--once more they entered the great park--but this time the stag +took the direction of Englefield Green. He was not, however, allowed +to break forth into the open country; but, driven again into the thick +woods, he held on with wondrous speed till the lake appeared in view. In +another instant he was swimming across it. + +Before the eddies occasioned by the affrighted animal's plunge had +described a wide ring, Herne had quitted his steed, and was cleaving +with rapid strokes the waters of the lake. Finding escape impossible, +the hart turned to meet him, and sought to strike him with his horns, +but as in the case of his ill-fated brother of the wood, the blow was +warded by the antlered helm of the swimmer. The next moment the clear +water was dyed with blood, and Herne, catching the gasping animal by the +head, guided his body to shore. + +Again the process of breaking up the stag was gone through; and when +Herne had concluded his task, he once more offered his gourd to Sir +Thomas Wyat. Reckless of the consequences, the knight placed the flask +to his lips, and draining it to the last drop, fell from his horse +insensible. + + + + +VII. + + How Wyat beheld Mabel Lyndwood--And how he was rowed by + Morgan Fenwolf upon the Lake. + + +When perfect consciousness returned to him, Wyat found himself lying +upon a pallet in what he first took to be the cell of an anchorite; but +as the recollection of recent events arose more distinctly before him, +he guessed it to be a chamber connected with the sandstone cave. A small +lamp, placed in a recess, lighted the cell; and upon a footstool by his +bed stood a jug of water, and a cup containing some drink in which herbs +had evidently been infused. Well-nigh emptying the jug, for he felt +parched with thirst, Wyat attired himself, took up the lamp, and walked +into the main cavern. No one was there, nor could he obtain any answer +to his calls. Evidences, however, were not wanting to prove that a feast +had recently been held there. On one side were the scarcely extinguished +embers of a large wood fire; and in the midst of the chamber was a rude +table, covered with drinking-horns and wooden platters, as well as with +the remains of three or four haunches of venison. While contemplating +this scene Wyat heard footsteps in one of the lateral passages, and +presently afterwards Morgan Fenwolf made his appearance. + +"So you are come round at last, Sir Thomas," observed the keeper, in a +slightly sarcastic tone. + +"What has ailed me?" asked Wyat, in surprise. + +"You have had a fever for three days," returned Fenwolf, "and have been +raving like a madman." + +"Three days!" muttered Wyat. "The false juggling fiend promised her to +me on the third day." + +"Fear not; Herne will be as good as his word," said Fenwolf. "But will +you go forth with me? I am about to visit my nets. It is a fine day, and +a row on the lake will do you good." + +Wyat acquiesced, and followed Fenwolf, who returned along the passage. +It grew narrower at the sides and lower in the roof as they advanced, +until at last they were compelled to move forward on their hands and +knees. For some space the passage, or rather hole (for it was nothing +more) ran on a level. A steep and tortuous ascent then commenced, which +brought them to an outlet concealed by a large stone. + +Pushing it aside, Fenwolf crept forth, and immediately afterwards Wyat +emerged into a grove, through which, on one side, the gleaming waters +of the lake were discernible. The keeper's first business was to replace +the stone, which was so screened by brambles and bushes that it could +not, unless careful search were made, be detected. + +Making his way through the trees to the side of the lake, Fenwolf +marched along the greensward in the direction of Tristram Lyndwood's +cottage. Wyat mechanically followed him; but he was so pre-occupied that +he scarcely heeded the fair Mabel, nor was it till after his embarkation +in the skiff with the keeper, when she came forth to look at them, that +he was at all struck with her beauty. He then inquired her name from +Fenwolf. + +"She is called Mabel Lyndwood, and is an old forester's granddaughter," +replied the other somewhat gruffly. + +"And do you seek her love?" asked Wyat. + +"Ay, and wherefore not?" asked Fenwolf, with a look of displeasure. + +"Nay, I know not, friend," rejoined Wyat. "She is a comely damsel." + +"What!--comelier than the Lady Anne?" demanded Fenwolf spitefully. + +"I said not so," replied Wyat; "but she is very fair, and looks +true-hearted." + +Fenwolf glanced at him from under his brows; and plunging his oars into +the water, soon carried him out of sight of the maiden. + +It was high noon, and the day was one of resplendent loveliness. The +lake sparkled in the sunshine, and as they shot past its tiny bays and +woody headlands, new beauties were every moment revealed to them. But +while the scene softened Wyat's feelings, it filled him with intolerable +remorse, and so poignant did his emotions become, that he pressed his +hands upon his eyes to shut out the lovely prospect. When he looked +up again the scene was changed. The skiff had entered a narrow creek, +arched over by huge trees, and looking as dark and gloomy as the rest +of the lake was fair and smiling. It was closed in by a high overhanging +bank, crested by two tall trees, whose tangled roots protruded through +it like monstrous reptiles, while their branches cast a heavy shade over +the deep, sluggish water. + +"Why have you come here?" demanded Wyat, looking uneasily round the +forbidding spot. + +"You will discover anon," replied Fenwolf moodily. + +"Go back into the sunshine, and take me to some pleasant bank--I will +not land here," said Wyat sternly. + +"Needs must when--I need not remind you of the proverb," rejoined +Fenwolf, with a sneer. + +"Give me the oars, thou malapert knave!" cried Wyat fiercely, "and I +will put myself ashore." + +"Keep quiet," said Fenwolf; "you must perforce abide our master's +coming." + +Wyat gazed at the keeper for a moment, as if with the intention of +throwing him overboard; but abandoning the idea, he rose up in the +boat, and caught at what he took to be a root of the tree above. To his +surprise and alarm, it closed upon him with an iron grasp, and he felt +himself dragged upwards, while the skiff, impelled by a sudden stroke +from Morgan Fenwolf, shot from beneath him. All Wyat's efforts to +disengage himself were vain, and a wild, demoniacal laugh, echoed by a +chorus of voices, proclaimed him in the power of Herne the Hunter. The +next moment he was set on the top of the bank, while the demon greeted +him with a mocking laugh. + +"So you thought to escape me, Sir Thomas Wyatt," he cried, in a taunting +tone; "but any such attempt will prove fruitless. The murderer may +repent the blow when dealt; the thief may desire to restore the gold he +has purloined; the barterer of his soul may rue his bargain; but they +are Satan's, nevertheless. You are mine, and nothing can redeem you!" + +"Woe is me that it should be so!" groaned Wyat. + +"Lamentation is useless and unworthy of you," rejoined Herne scornfully. +"Your wish will be speedily accomplished. This very night your kingly +rival shall be placed in your hands." + +"Ha!" exclaimed Wyat, the flame of jealousy again rising within his +breast. + +"You can make your own terms with him for the Lady Anne," pursued Herne. +"His life will be at your disposal." + +"Do you promise this?" cried Wyat. + +"Ay," replied Herne. "Put yourself under the conduct of Fenwolf, and all +shall happen as you desire. We shall meet again at night. I have other +business on hand now. Meschines," he added to one of his attendants, "go +with Sir Thomas to the skiff." + +The personage who received the command, and who was wildly and +fantastically habited, beckoned Wyat to follow him, and after many +twistings and turnings brought them to the edge of the lake, where the +skiff was lying, with Fenwolf reclining at full length upon its benches. +He arose, however, quickly at the appearance of Meschines, and asked him +for some provisions, which the latter promised to bring, and while Wyat +got into the skiff he disappeared, but returned a few minutes afterwards +with a basket, which he gave to the keeper. + +Crossing the lake, Fenwolf then shaped his course towards a verdant bank +enamelled with wild flowers, where he landed. The basket being opened, +was found to contain a flask of wine and the better part of a venison +pasty, of which Wyat, whose appetite was keen enough after his long +fasting, ate heartily. He then stretched himself on the velvet sod, +and dropped into a tranquil slumber which lasted to a late hour in the +evening. + +He was roused from it by a hand laid on his shoulder, while a deep voice +thundered in his ear--"Up, up, Sir Thomas, and follow me, and I will +place the king in your hands!" + + + + +VIII. + + How the King and the Duke of Suffolk were assailed by + Herne's Band--And what followed the Attack. + + +Henry and Suffolk, on leaving the forester's hut, took their way for +a sort space along the side of the lake, and then turned into a path +leading through the trees up the eminence on the left. The king was in +a joyous mood, and made no attempt to conceal the passion with which the +fair damsel had inspired him. + +"I' faith!" he cried, "the cardinal has a quick eye for a pretty wench. +I have heard that he loves one in secret, and I am therefore the more +beholden to him for discovering Mabel to me." + +"You forget, my liege, that it is his object to withdraw your regards +from the Lady Anne Boleyn," remarked Suffolk. + +"I care not what his motive may be, as long as the result is so +satisfactory," returned Henry. "Confess now, Suffolk, you never beheld +a figure so perfect, a complexion so blooming, or eyes so bright. As to +her lips, by my soul, I never tasted such." + +"And your majesty is not inexperienced in such matters," laughed +Suffolk. "For my own part, I was as much struck by her grace as by her +beauty, and can scarcely persuade myself she can be nothing more than a +mere forester's grand-daughter." + +"Wolsey told me there was a mystery about her birth," rejoined Henry; +"but, pest on it; her beauty drove all recollection of the matter out of +my head. I will go back, and question her now." + +"Your majesty forgets that your absence from the castle will occasion +surprise, if not alarm," said Suffolk. "The mystery will keep till +to-morrow." + +"Tut, tut!--I will return," said the king perversely. And Suffolk, +knowing his wilfulness, and that all remonstrance would prove fruitless, +retraced his steps with him. They had not proceeded far when they +perceived a female figure at the bottom of the ascent, just where the +path turned off on the margin of the lake. + +"As I live, there she is!" exclaimed the king joyfully. "She has divined +my wishes, and is come herself to tell me her history." + +And he sprang forward, while Mabel advanced rapidly towards him. + +They met half-way, and Henry would have caught her in his arms, but +she avoided him, exclaiming, in a tone of confusion and alarm, "Thank +Heaven, I have found you, sire!" + +"Thank Heaven, too, sweetheart!" rejoined Henry. "I would not hide when +you are the seeker. So you know me--ha? + +"I knew you at first," replied Mabel confusedly. "I saw you at the great +hunting party; and, once beheld, your majesty is not easily forgotten." + +"Ha! by Saint George! you turn a compliment as soothly as the most +practised dame at court," cried Henry, catching her hand. + +"Beseech your majesty, release me!" returned Mabel, struggling to get +free. "I did not follow you on the light errand you suppose, but to warn +you of danger. Before you quitted my grandsire's cottage I told you +this part of the forest was haunted by plunderers and evil beings, and +apprehensive lest some mischance might befall you, I opened the window +softly to look after you--" + +"And you overheard me tell the Duke of Suffolk how much smitten I was +with your beauty, ha?" interrupted the king, squeezing her hand--"and +how resolved I was to make you mine--ha! sweetheart?" + +"The words I heard were of very different import, my liege," rejoined +Mabel. "You were menaced by miscreants, who purposed to waylay you +before you could reach your steed." + +"Let them come," replied Henry carelessly; "they shall pay for their +villainy. How many were there?" + +"Two, sire," answered Mabel; "but one of them was Herne, the weird +hunter of the forest. He said he would summon his band to make you +captive. What can your strong arm, even aided by that of the Duke of +Suffolk, avail against numbers?" + +"Captive! ha!" exclaimed the king. "Said the knave so?" + +"He did, sire," replied Mabel; "and I knew it was Herne by his antlered +helm." + +"There is reason in what the damsel says, my liege," interposed Suffolk. +"If possible, you had better avoid an encounter with the villains." + +"My hands itch to give them a lesson," rejoined Henry. "But I will be +ruled by you. God's death! I will return to-morrow, and hunt them down +like so many wolves." + +"Where are your horses, sire?" asked Mabel. + +"Tied to a tree at the foot of the hill," replied Henry. "But I have +attendants midway between this spot and Snow Hill." + +"This way, then!" said Mabel, breaking from him, and darting into a +narrow path among the trees. + +Henry ran after her, but was not agile enough to overtake her. At length +she stopped. + +"If your majesty will pursue this path," she cried, "you will come to an +open space amid the trees, when, if you will direct your course towards +a large beech-tree on the opposite side, you will find another narrow +path, which will take you where you desire to go." + +"But I cannot go alone," cried Henry. + +Mabel, however, slipped past him, and was out of sight in an instant. + +Henry looked as if he meant to follow her, but Suffolk ventured to +arrest him. + +"Do not tarry here longer, my gracious liege," said the duke. "Danger is +to be apprehended, and the sooner you rejoin your attendants the better. +Return with them, if you please, but do not expose yourself further +now." + +Henry yielded, though reluctantly, and they walked on in silence. Ere +long they arrived at the open space described by Mabel, and immediately +perceived the large beech-tree, behind which they found the path. By +this time the moon had arisen, and as they emerged upon the marsh they +easily discovered a track, though not broader than a sheep-walk, leading +along its edge. As they hurried across it, Suffolk occasionally cast a +furtive glance over his shoulder, but he saw nothing to alarm him. The +whole tract of marshy land on the left was hidden from view by a silvery +mist. + +In a few minutes the king and his companion gained firmer ground, and +ascending the gentle elevation on the other side of the marsh, made +their way to a little knoll crowned by a huge oak, which commanded a +fine view of the lake winding through the valley beyond. Henry, who was +a few yards in advance of his companion, paused at a short distance from +the free, and being somewhat over-heated, took off his cap to wipe his +brow, laughingly observing--"In good truth, Suffolk, we must henceforth +be rated as miserable faineants, to be scared from our path by a silly +wench's tale of deerstealers and wild huntsmen. I am sorry I yielded to +her entreaties. If Herne be still extant, he must be more than a century +and a half old, for unless the legend is false, he flourished in the +time of my predecessor, Richard the Second. I would I could see him!" + +"Behold him, then!" cried a harsh voice from behind. + +Turning at the sound, Henry perceived a tall dark figure of hideous +physiognomy and strange attire, helmed with a huge pair of antlers, +standing between him and the oak-tree. So sudden was the appearance of +the figure, that in spite of himself the king slightly started. + +"What art thou--ha?" he demanded. + +"What I have said," replied the demon. "I am Herne the Hunter. Welcome +to my domain, Harry of England. You are lord of the castle, but I am +lord of the forest. Ha! ha!" + +"I am lord both of the forest and the castle--yea, of all this broad +land, false fiend!" cried the king, "and none shall dispute it with +me. In the name of the most holy faith, of which I am the defender, I +command thee to avoid my path. Get thee backwards, Satan!" + +The demon laughed derisively. + +"Harry of England, advance towards me, and you advance upon your peril," +he rejoined. + +"Avaunt, I say!" cried the king. "In the name of the blessed Trinity, +and of all holy angels and saints, I strike!" + +And he whirled the staff round his head. But ere the weapon could +descend, a flash of dazzling fire encircled the demon, amidst which he +vanished. + +"Heaven protect us!" exclaimed Henry, appalled. + +At this juncture the sound of a horn was heard, and a number of +wild figures in fantastic garbs--some mounted on swarthy steeds, and +accompanied by hounds, others on foot-issued from the adjoining covert, +and hurried towards the spot occupied by the king. + +"Aha!" exclaimed Henry--"more of the same sort. Hell, it would seem, has +let loose her hosts; but I have no fear of them. Stand by me, Suffolk." + +"To the death, sire," replied the duke, drawing his sword. By this +time one of the foremost of the impish crew had reached the king, and +commanded him to yield himself prisoner. + +"Dost know whom thou askest to yield, dog?" cried Henry furiously. + +"Yea," replied the other, "thou art the king!" + +"Then down on thy knees, traitor!" roared Henry; "down all of ye, and +sue for mercy." + +"For mercy--ha! ha!" rejoined the other; "it is thy turn to sue for +mercy, tyrant! We acknowledge no other ruler than Herne the Hunter." + +"Then seek him in hell!" cried Henry, dealing the speaker a tremendous +blow on the head with his staff, which brought him senseless to the +ground. + +The others immediately closed round him, and endeavoured to seize the +king. + +"Ha! dogs--ha! traitors!" vociferated Henry, plying his staff with great +activity, and bringing down an assailant at each stroke; "do you dare to +lay hands upon our sacred person? Back! back!" + +The determined resistance offered by the king, supported as he was by +Suffolk, paralysed his assailants, who seemed more bent upon securing +his person than doing him injury. But Suffolk's attention was presently +diverted by the attack of a fierce black hound, set upon him by a stout +fellow in a bearded mask. After a hard struggle, and not before he had +been severely bitten in the arm, the duke contrived to despatch his +assailant. + +"This to avenge poor Bawsey!" cried the man who had set on the hound, +stabbing at Suffolk with his knife. + +But the duke parried the blow, and, disarming his antagonist, forced +him to the ground, and tearing off his mask, disclosed the features of +Morgan Fenwolf. + +Meanwhile, Henry had been placed in considerable jeopardy. Like Suffolk, +he had slaughtered a hound, and, in aiming a blow at the villain who set +it on, his foot slipped, and he lay at his mercy. The wretch raised his +knife, and was in the act of striking when a sword was passed through +his body. The blow was decisive; the king instantly arose, and the +rest of his assailants-horse as well as foot--disheartened by what had +occurred, beat a hasty retreat. Harry turned to look for his deliverer, +and uttered an exclamation of astonishment and anger. + +"Ah! God's death!" he cried, "can I believe my eyes? Is it you, Sir +Thomas Wyat?" + +"Ay," replied the other. + +"What do you here? Ha!" demanded the king. "You should be in Paris." + +"I have tarried for revenge," replied Wyat. + +"Revenge!--ha!" cried Henry. "On whom?" + +"On you," replied Wyat. + +"What!" vociferated Henry, foaming with rage. "Is it you, traitor, who +have devised this damnable plot?--is it you who would make your king a +captive?--you who slay him? Have you leagued yourself with fiends?" + +But Wyat made no answer; and though he lowered the point of his sword, +he regarded the king sternly. + +A female figure now rushed forward, and bending before the king, cried +in an imploring voice--"Spare him, sire--spare him! He is no party to +the attack. I was near him in yon wood, and he stirred not forth till he +saw your life in danger. He then delivered you from the assassin." + +"I did so because I reserved him for my own hand," said Wyat. + +"You hear him confess his treason," cried Henry; "down on your knees, +villain, or I will strike you to my feet." + +"He has just saved your life, my liege," cried the supplicant. "Oh, +spare him!" + +"What make you here, Mabel?" cried Henry angrily. "I followed your +majesty unseen," she replied, in some confusion, "and reached yon wood +just as the attack commenced. I did not dare to advance farther." + +"You should have gone home--gone home," rejoined the king. "Wyat," he +continued, in a tone of stern reproach, "you were once a loyal subject. +What means this change?" + +"It means that you have robbed me of a mistress," replied Wyat; "and for +this cause I have damned myself." + +"Pardon him!-oh, pardon him, sire," cried Mabel. + +"I cannot understand you, Wyat," said Henry, after a pause; "but I have +myself suffered from the pangs of jealousy. You have saved my life, and +I will spare yours." + +"Sire!" cried Wyat. + +"Suffolk," exclaimed Henry, looking towards the duke, who was holding +Fenwolf by the throat, "shall I be justified in letting him go free? + +"Strike!--strike!" cried a deep voice in Wyat's ear; "your rival is now +in your power." + +"Far be it from me to thwart your majesty's generous impulses," rejoined +Suffolk. "It is true that Wyat has saved your life; and if he had been +disposed to take it, you have this moment exposed yourself to him." + +"Sir Thomas Wyat," said the king, turning to him, "you have my full and +free pardon. Quit this forest instantly, and make your way to Paris. If +you are found within it to-morrow you will be lodged in the Tower." + +Wyat knelt down, and would have pressed Henry's hand to his lips, but +the latter pushed him aside. + +"No--no! Not now--on your return." + +Thus rebuffed, Wyat strode away, and as he passed the tree he heard a +voice exclaim, "You have escaped him, but think not to escape me!" + +"And now, sweetheart," said Henry, turning to Mabel, "since you are so +far on the way, you shall go with me to the castle." + +"On no account, my liege," she returned; "my grandsire will wonder what +has become of me. He must already be in great alarm." + +"But I will send an attendant to quiet his fears," urged Henry. + +"That would only serve to increase them," she rejoined. "Nay, I must +go." + +And breaking from him, she darted swiftly down the hill, and glanced +across the marsh like a moonbeam. + +"Plague on it!" cried Henry, "I have again forgotten to question her +about her birth." + +"Shall I despatch this knave, my liege?" cried Suffolk, pointing with +his sword to Fenwolf. + +"By no means," said the king; "something may be learnt from him. Hark +thee, thou felon hound; if thou indeed servest the fiend, thou seest he +deserts thee, as he does all who put faith in him." + +"I see it," replied Fenwolf, who, finding resistance vain, had folded +his hands doggedly upon his breast. + +"Then confess thy evil practices," said the king. + +"Give me my life, and I will," replied Fenwolf. And as he uttered the +words, he caught sight of the dark figure of Herne, stationed at the +side of the oak, with its right arm raised menacingly. + +"What seest thou?" cried Henry, remarking his fixed gaze towards the +tree, and glancing in that direction. + +Fenwolf made no reply. + +Henry went up to the tree, and walked round it, but he could see +nothing. + +"I will scour the forest to-morrow," he muttered, "and hang every knave +I find within it who cannot give a good account of himself." + +"Ho! ho! ho!" laughed a voice, which seemed to proceed from the branches +of the tree. Henry looked up, but no one was visible. + +"God's death--derided!" he roared. "Man or devil, thou shalt feel my +wrath." + +"Ho! ho! ho!" again laughed the voice. + +Stamping with rage, Henry swore a great oath, and smote the trunk of the +tree with his sword. + +"Your majesty will search in vain," said Suffolk; "it is clearly the +fiend with whom you have to deal, and the aid of holy priests must be +obtained to drive him from the forest." + +"Ho! ho! ho!" again laughed the voice. + +A party of horsemen now appeared in view. They proved to be the royal +attendants, who had ridden forward in search of the king, and were +instantly hailed by Henry and Suffolk. They were headed by Captain +Bouchier, who at a sign from the king instantly dismounted. + +"Give me your horse, Bouchier," said Henry, "and do you and half-a-dozen +of your men remain on guard at this tree till I send a troop of +arquebusiers to relieve you. When they arrive, station them near it, and +let them remain here till I return in the morning. If any one appears, +make him a prisoner." + +"Your majesty's orders shall be faithfully obeyed," replied Bouchier. + +Bound hand and foot, Fenwolf was thrown upon the back of a horse, and +guarded by two halberdiers, who were prepared to strike him dead on +the slightest movement. In this way he was conveyed to the castle, and +placed in the guard-chamber of the lower gate till further orders should +be issued respecting him. + + + + +IX. + + Showing how Morgan Fenwolf escaped from the Garter Tower. + + +Half-an-hour afterwards Fenwolf was visited by the Duke of Suffolk and +a canon of the college; and the guard-chamber being cleared, the duke +enjoined him to make clear his bosom by confession. + +"I hold it my duty to tell you, prisoner," said Suffolk, "that there +is no hope of your life. The king's highness is determined to make a +fearful example of you and all your companions in crime; but he does not +seek to destroy your soul, and has therefore sent this holy man to you, +with the desire that you may open your heart to him, and by confession +and repentance save yourself from eternal perdition." + +"Confession will profit me nothing," said Fenwolf moodily. "I cannot +pray if I would." + +"You cannot be so utterly lost, my son," rejoined the canon. "Hell may +have woven her dark chains round you, but not so firmly but that the +hand of Heaven can burst them." + +"You waste time in seeking to persuade me," returned Fenwolf. + +"You are not ignorant of the punishment inflicted upon those condemned +for sorcery, my son?" demanded the canon. + +"It is the stake, is it not?" replied Fenwolf + +"Ay," replied the canon; "but even that fiery trial will fail to purge +out your offences without penitence. My lord of Suffolk, this wretched +man's condition demands special attention. It will profit the Church +much to win his soul from the fiend. Let him, I pray you, be removed to +the dungeon beneath the Garter Tower, where a priest shall visit him, +and pray by his side till daybreak." + +"It will be useless, father," said Fenwolf. + +"I do not despair, my son," replied the canon; "and when I see you again +in the morning I trust to find you in a better frame of mind." + +The duke then gave directions to the guard to remove the prisoner, and +after some further conference with the canon, returned to the royal +apartments. + +Meanwhile, the canon shaped his course towards the Horseshoe Cloisters, +a range of buildings so designated from their form, and situated at the +west end of St. George's Chapel, and he had scarcely entered them +when he heard footsteps behind him, and turning at the sound, beheld a +Franciscan friar, for so his habit of the coarsest grey cloth, tied +with a cord round the waist, proclaimed him. The friar was very tall +and gaunt, and his cowl was drawn over his face so as to conceal his +features. + +"What would you, brother?" inquired the canon, halting. "I have a +request to make of you, reverend sir," replied the friar, with a lowly +inclination of the head. "I have just arrived from Chertsey Abbey, +whither I have been tarrying for the last three days, and while +conversing with the guard at the gate, I saw a prisoner brought into the +castle charged with heinous offences, and amongst others, with dealings +with the fiend." + +"You have been rightly informed, brother," rejoined the canon. + +"And have I also been rightly informed that you desire a priest to pass +the night with him, reverend sir?" returned the friar. "If so, I would +crave permission to undertake the office. Two souls, as deeply laden as +that of this poor wretch, have been snatched from the jaws of Satan by +my efforts, and I do not despair of success now." + +"Since you are so confident, brother," said the canon, "I commit him +readily to your hands. I was about to seek other aid, but your offer +comes opportunely. With Heaven's help I doubt not you will achieve a +victory over the evil one." + +As the latter words were uttered a sudden pain seemed to seize the +friar. Staggering slightly, he caught at the railing of the cloisters +for support, but he instantly recovered himself. + +"It is nothing, reverend sir," he said, seeing that the good canon +regarded him anxiously. "Long vigils and fasting have made me liable to +frequent attacks of giddiness, but they pass as quickly as they come. +Will it please you to go with me, and direct the guard to admit me to +the prisoner?" + +The canon assented; and crossing the quadrangle, they returned to the +gateway. + +Meanwhile, the prisoner had been removed to the lower chamber of the +Garter Tower. This fortification, one of the oldest in the castle, being +coeval with the Curfew Tower, is now in a state of grievous neglect and +ruin. Unroofed, unfloored, filled with rubbish, masked by the yard walls +of the adjoining habitations, with one side entirely pulled down, and +a great breach in front, it is solely owing to the solid and +rock-like construction of its masonry that it is indebted for partial +preservation. Still, notwithstanding its dilapidated condition, and +that it is the mere shell of its former self, its appearance is highly +picturesque. The walls are of prodigious thickness, and the deep +embrasures within them are almost perfect; while a secret staircase may +still be tracked partly round the building. Amid the rubbish choking up +its lower chamber grows a young tree, green and flourishing-a type, it +is to be hoped, of the restoration of the structure. + +Conducted to a low vaulted chamber in this tower, the prisoner was cast +upon its floor-for he was still hound hand and foot-and left alone and +in darkness. But he was not destined to continue in this state long. The +door of the dungeon opened, and the guard ushered in the tall Franciscan +friar. + +"What ho! dog of a prisoner," he cried, "here is a holy man come to pass +the night with you in prayer." + +"He may take his Ave Maries and Paternosters elsewhere-I want them not," +replied Fenwolf moodily. + +"You would prefer my bringing Herne the Hunter, no doubt," rejoined the +guard, laughing at his own jest; "but this is a physician for your soul. +The saints help you in your good work, father; you will have no easy +task." + +"Set down the light, my son," cried the friar harshly, "and leave us; my +task will be easily accomplished." + +Placing the lamp on the stone floor of the dungeon, the guard withdrew, +and locked the door after him. + +"Do you repent, my son?" demanded the friar, as soon as they were alone. + +"Certes, I repent having put faith in a treacherous fiend, who has +deserted me-but that is all," replied Fenwolf, with his face turned to +the ground. + +"Will you put faith in me, if I promise you deliverance?" demanded the +friar. + +"You promise more than you can perform, as most of your brethren do," +rejoined the other. + +"You will not say so if you look up," said the friar. + +Fenwolf started at the words, which were pronounced in a different tone +from that previously adopted by the speaker, and raised himself as far +as his bonds would permit him. The friar had thrown hack his cowl, and +disclosed features of appalling hideousness, lighted up by a diabolical +grin. + +"You here!" cried Fenwolf. + +"You doubted me," rejoined Herne, "but I never desert a follower. +Besides, I wish to show the royal Harry that my power is equal to his +own." + +"But how are we to get out of this dungeon?" asked Fenwolf, gazing round +apprehensively. + +"My way out will be easy enough," replied Herne; "but your escape is +attended with more difficulty. You remember how we went to the vaulted +chamber in the Curfew Tower on the night when Mark Fytton, the butcher, +was confined within it?" + +"I do," replied Fenwolf; "but I can think of nothing while I am tied +thus." + +Heme instantly drew forth a hunting-knife, and cutting Fenwolf's bonds +asunder, the latter started to his feet. + +"If that bull-headed butcher would have joined me, I would have +liberated him as I am about to liberate you," pursued Herne. "But to +return to the matter in hand. You recollect the secret passage we then +tracked? There is just such another staircase in this tower." + +And stepping to the farther side of the chamber, he touched a small knob +in the wall, and a stone flew hack, disclosing an aperture just large +enough to allow a man to pass through it. + +"There is your road to freedom," he said, pointing to the hole. "Creep +along that narrow passage, and it will bring you to a small loophole in +the wall, not many feet from the ground. The loophole is guarded by a +bar of iron, but it is moved by a spring in the upper part of the stone +in which it appears to be mortised. This impediment removed, you will +easily force your way through the loophole. Drop cautiously, for fear of +the sentinels on the walls; then make your way to the forest, and if +you 'scape the arquebusiers who are scouring it, conceal yourself in the +sandstone cave below the beech-tree." + +"And what of you?" asked Fenwoif. + +"I have more to do here," replied Herne impatiently-"away!" + +Thus dismissed, Fenwolf entered the aperture, which was instantly closed +after him by Herne. Carefully following the instructions of his leader, +the keeper passed through the loophole, let himself drop softly down, +and keeping close to the walls of the tower till he heard the sentinels +move off, darted swiftly across the street and made good his escape. + +Meanwhile Herne drew the cowl over his head, and stepping to the door, +knocked loudly against it. + +"What would you, father?" cried the guard from without. + +"Enter, my son, and you shall know," replied Herne. + +The next moment the door was unlocked, and the guard advanced into the +dungeon. + +"Ha!" he exclaimed, snatching up the lamp and looking around, "where is +the prisoner?" + +"Gone," replied Herne. + +"What! has the fiend flown away with him?" cried the man, in mixed +astonishment and alarm. + +"He has been set free by Herne the Hunter!" cried the demon. "Tell all +who question thee so, and relate what thou now seest." + +At the words a bright blue flame illumined the chamber, in the midst of +which was seen the tall dark figure of Herne. His Franciscan's gown had +dropped to his feet, and he appeared habited in his wild deer-skin garb. +With a loud cry, the guard fell senseless on the ground. + +A few minutes after this, as was subsequently ascertained, a tall +Franciscan friar threaded the cloisters behind Saint George's Chapel, +and giving the word to the sentinels, passed through the outer door +communicating with the steep descent leading to the town. + + + + +X. + + How Herne the Hunter was himself hunted. + + +On the guard's recovery, information of what had occurred was +immediately conveyed to the king, who had not yet retired to rest, +but was sitting in his private chamber with the Dukes of Suffolk and +Norfolk. The intelligence threw him into a great fury: he buffeted +the guard, and ordered him to be locked up in the dungeon whence the +prisoner had escaped; reprimanded the canon; directed the Duke of +Suffolk, with a patrol, to make search in the neighbourhood of the +castle for the fugitive and the friar; and bade the Duke of Norfolk +get together a band of arquebusiers; and as soon as the latter were +assembled, he put himself at their head and again rode into the forest. + +The cavalcade had proceeded about a mile along the great avenue, when +one of the arquebusiers rode up and said that he heard some distant +sounds on the right. Commanding a halt, Henry listened for a moment, +and, satisfied that the man was right, quitted the course he was +pursuing, and dashed across the broad glade now traversed by the avenue +called Queen Anne's Ride. As he advanced the rapid trampling of horses +was heard, accompanied by shouts, and presently afterwards a troop of +wild-looking horsemen in fantastic garbs was seen galloping down the +hill, pursued by Bouchier and his followers. The king immediately shaped +his course so as to intercept the flying party, and, being in some +measure screened by the trees, he burst unexpectedly upon them at a turn +of the road. + +Henry called to the fugitives to surrender, but they refused, and, +brandishing their long knives and spears, made a desperate resistance. +But they were speedily surrounded and overpowered. Bouchier inquired +from the king what should be done with the prisoners. + +"Hang them all upon yon trees!" cried Henry, pointing to two sister oaks +which stood near the scene of strife. + +The terrible sentence was immediately carried into execution. Cords were +produced, and in less than half-an-hour twenty breathless bodies were +swinging from the branches of the two trees indicated by the king. + +"This will serve to deter others from like offences," observed Henry, +who had watched the whole proceedings with savage satisfaction. "And +now, Bouchier, how came you to let the leader of these villains escape?" + +"I did not know he had escaped, my liege," replied Bouchier, in +astonishment. + +"Yea, marry, but he has escaped," rejoined Henry; "and he has had +the audacity to show himself in the castle within this hour, and the +cunning, moreover, to set the prisoner free." + +And he proceeded to relate what had occurred. + +"This is strange indeed, my liege," replied Bouchier, at the close of +the king's recital, "and to my thinking, is proof convincing that we +have to do with a supernatural being." + +"Supernatura!--pshaw!--banish the idle notion," rejoined Henry sternly. +"We are all the dupes of some jugglery. The caitiff will doubtless +return to the forest. Continue your search, therefore, for him +throughout the night. If you catch him, I promise you a royal reward." + +So saying, he rode back to the castle, somewhat appeased by the +wholesale vengeance he had taken upon the offenders. + +In obedience to the orders he had received, Bouchier, with his +followers, continued riding about the forest during the whole night, +but without finding anything to reward his search, until about dawn +it occurred to him to return to the trees on which the bodies were +suspended. As he approached them he fancied he beheld a horse standing +beneath the nearest tree, and immediately ordered his followers to +proceed as noiselessly as possible, and to keep under the cover of the +wood. A nearer advance convinced him that his eyes had not deceived him. +It was a swart, wild-looking horse that he beheld, with eyes that flamed +like carbuncles, while a couple of bodies, evidently snatched from the +branches, were laid across his back. A glance at the trees, too, showed +Bouchier that they had been considerably lightened of their hideous +spoil. + +Seeing this, Bouchier dashed forward. Alarmed by the noise, the wild +horse neighed loudly, and a dark figure instantly dropped from the tree +upon its back, and proceeded to disencumber it of its load. But before +this could be accomplished, a bolt from a cross-bow, shot by one of +Bouchier's followers, pierced the animal's brain. Rearing aloft, it fell +backwards in such manner as would have crushed an ordinary rider, but +Herne slipped off uninjured, and with incredible swiftness darted among +the trees. The others started in pursuit, and a chase commenced in which +the demon huntsman had to sustain the part of the deer--nor could any +deer have afforded better sport. + +Away flew the pursued and pursuers over broad glade and through tangled +glen, the woods resounding with their cries. Bouchier did not lose sight +of the fugitive for a moment, and urged his men to push on; but, despite +his alternate proffers and menaces, they gained but little on Herne, +who, speeding towards the home park, cleared its high palings with a +single bound. + +Over went Bouchier and his followers, and they then descried him making +his way to a large oak standing almost alone in the centre of a +wide glade. An instant afterwards he reached the tree, shook his arm +menacingly at his pursuers, and vanished. + +The next moment Bouchier came up, flung himself from his panting steed, +and, with his drawn sword in hand, forced himself through a rift in its +side into the tree. There was a hollow within it large enough to allow +a man to stand upright, and two funnel-like holes ran upwards into the +branches. Finding nothing, Bouchier called for a hunting-spear, and +thrust it as far as he could into the holes above. The point encountered +no obstruction except such as was offered by the wood itself. He stamped +upon the ground, and sounded it on all sides with the spear, but with no +better success. + +Issuing forth he next directed his attention to the upper part of the +tree, which, while he was occupied inside, had been very carefully +watched by his followers, and not content with viewing it from below, he +clambered into the branches. But they had nothing to show except their +own leafy covering. + +The careful examination of the ground about the tree at length led to +the discovery of a small hole among its roots, about half a dozen yards +from the trunk, and though this hole seemed scarcely large enough +to serve for an entrance to the burrow of a fox, Bouchier deemed it +expedient to keep a careful watch over it. + +His investigation completed, he dispatched a sergeant of the guard to +the castle to acquaint the king with what had occurred. + +Disturbed by the events of the night, Henry obtained little sleep, and +at an early hour summoned an attendant, and demanded whether there were +any tidings from the forest The attendant replied that a sergeant of +the guard was without, sent by Captain Bouchier with a message for his +majesty. The sergeant was immediately admitted to the royal presence, +and on the close of his marvellous story the king, who had worked +himself into a tremendous fury during its relation, roared out, "What! +foiled again? ha! But he shall not escape, if I have to root up half the +trees in the forest. Bouchier and his fellows must be bewitched. Harkye, +knaves: get together a dozen of the best woodmen and yeomen in the +castle--instantly, as you value your lives; bid them bring axe and saw, +pick and spade. D'ye mark me? ha! Stay, I have not done. I must have +fagots and straw, for I will burn this tree to the ground--burn it to +a char. Summon the Dukes of Suffolk and Norfolk--the rascal archer I +dubbed the Duke of Shoreditch and his mates--the keepers of the forest +and their hounds--summon them quickly, and bid a band of the yeomen of +the guard get ready." And he sprang from his couch. + +The king's commands were executed with such alacrity, that by the time +he was fully attired the whole of the persons he had ordered to be +summoned were assembled. Putting himself at their head, he rode forth to +the home park, and found Bouchier and his followers grouped around the +tree. + +"We are still at fault, my liege," said Bouchier. + +"So I see, Sir," replied the king angrily. "Hew down the tree instantly, +knaves," he added to the woodmen. "Fall to--fall to." + +Ropes were then fastened to the head of the tree, and the welkin +resounded with the rapid strokes of the hatchets. It was a task of some +difficulty, but such zeal and energy were displayed by the woodmen that +ere long the giant trunk lay prostrate on the ground. Its hollows were +now fully exposed to view, but they were empty. + +"Set fire to the accursed piece of timber!" roared the king, "and burn +it to dust, and scatter it to the wind!" + +At these orders two yeomen of the guard advanced, and throwing down a +heap of fagots, straw, and other combustibles on the roots of the tree, +soon kindled a fierce fire. + +Meanwhile a couple of woodmen, stripped of their jerkins, and with their +brawny arms bared to the shoulder, mounted on the trunk, and strove to +split it asunder. Some of the keepers likewise got into the branches, +and peered into every crack and crevice, in the hope of making some +discovery. Amongst the latter was Will Sommers, who had posted himself +near a great arm of the tree, which he maintained when lopped off would +be found to contain the demon. + +Nor were other expedients neglected. A fierce hound had been sent into +the hole near the roots of the tree by Gabriel Lapp, but after a short +absence he returned howling and terrified, nor could all the efforts of +Gabriel, seconded by a severe scourging with his heavy dog-whip, induce +him to enter it again. + +When the hound had come forth, a couple of yeomen advanced to enlarge +the opening, while a third with a pick endeavoured to remove the root, +which formed an impediment to their efforts. + +"They may dig, but they'll never catch him," observed Shoreditch, who +stood by, to his companions. "Hunting a spirit is not the same thing as +training and raising a wolf, or earthing and digging out a badger." + +"Not so loud, duke," said Islington; "his majesty may think thy jest +irreverent." + +"I have an arrow blessed by a priest," said Paddington, "which I shall +let fly at the spirit if he appears." + +"Here he is--here he is!" cried Will Sommers, as a great white horned +owl, which had been concealed in some part of the tree, flew forth. + +"It may be the demon in that form--shoot! shoot!" cried Shoreditch. + +Paddington bent his bow. The arrow whistled through the air, and +in another moment the owl fell fluttering to the ground completely +transfixed; but it underwent no change, as was expected by the credulous +archer. + +Meanwhile the fire, being kept constantly supplied with fresh fagots, +and stirred by the yeomen of the guard, burnt bravely. The lower part +of the tree was already consumed, and the flames, roaring through the +hollow within with a sound like that of a furnace, promised soon to +reduce it to charcoal. + +The mouth of the hole having now been widened, another keeper, who had +brought forward a couple of lurchers, sent them into it; but in a few +moments they returned, as the hound had done, howling and with scared +looks. Without heeding their enraged master, they ran off, with their +tails between their legs, towards the castle. + +"I see how it is, Rufus," said Gabriel, patting his hound, who looked +wistfully and half-reproachfully at him. "Thou wert not to blame, poor +fellow! The best dog that ever was whelped cannot be expected to face +the devil." + +Though long ere this it had become the general opinion that it +was useless to persevere further in the search, the king, with his +characteristic obstinacy, would not give it up. In due time the whole of +the trunk of the enormous tree was consumed, and its branches cast +into the fire. The roots were rent from the ground, and a wide and deep +trench digged around the spot. The course of the hole was traced for +some distance, but it was never of any size, and was suddenly lost by +the falling in of the earth. + +At length, after five hours' close watching, Henry's patience was +exhausted, and he ordered the pit to be filled up, and every crevice and +fissure in the ground about to be carefully stopped. + +"If we cannot unkennel the fox," he said, "we will at least earth him +up. + +"For all your care, gossip Henry," muttered Will Sommers, as he rode +after his royal master to the castle, "the fox will work his way out." + + +THUS ENDS THE SECOND BOOK OF THE CHRONICLE OF WINDSOR CASTLE + + + + + +BOOK III. THE HISTORY OF THE CASTLE + + + + +I. + + Comprising the First Two Epochs in the History of Windsor + Castle. + + +Amid the gloom hovering over the early history of Windsor Castle appear +the mighty phantoms of the renowned King Arthur and his knights, for +whom it is said Merlin reared a magic fortress upon its heights, in a +great hall whereof, decorated with trophies of war and of the chase, was +placed the famous Round Table. But if the antique tale is now worn out, +and no longer part of our faith, it is pleasant at least to record it, +and surrendering ourselves for a while to the sway of fancy, to conjure +up the old enchanted castle on the hill, to people its courts with +warlike and lovely forms, its forests with fays and giants. + +Windsor, or Wyndleshore, so called from the winding banks of the river +flowing past it, was the abode of the ancient Saxon monarchs; and a +legend is related by William of Malmesbury of a woodman named Wulwin, +who being stricken with blindness, and having visited eighty-seven +churches and vainly implored their tutelary saints for relief, was at +last restored to sight by the touch of Edward the Confessor, who further +enhanced the boon by making him keeper of his palace at Windsor. But +though this story may be doubted, it is certain that the pious king +above mentioned granted Windsor to the abbot and monks of Saint Peter at +Westminster, "for the hope of eternal reward, the remission of his sins, +the sins of his father, mother, and all his ancestors, and to the praise +of Almighty God, as a perpetual endowment and inheritance." + +But the royal donation did not long remain in the hands of the +priesthood. Struck by the extreme beauty of the spot, "for that it +seemed exceeding profitable and commodious, because situate so near the +Thames, the wood fit for game, and many other particulars lying there, +meet and necessary for kings--yea, a place very convenient for his +reception," William the Conqueror prevailed upon Abbot Edwin to accept +in exchange for it Wakendune and Feringes, in Essex, together with three +other tenements in Colchester; and having obtained possession of the +coveted hill, he forthwith began to erect a castle upon it--occupying a +space of about half a hide of land. Around it he formed large parks, to +enable him to pursue his favourite pastime of hunting; and he enacted +and enforced severe laws for the preservation of the game. + +As devoted to the chase as his father, William Rufus frequently hunted +in the forests of Windsor, and solemnised some of the festivals of the +Church in the castle. + +In the succeeding reign--namely, that of Henry the First--the castle +was entirely rebuilt and greatly enlarged--assuming somewhat of the +character of a palatial residence, having before been little more than +a strong hunting-seat. The structure then erected in all probability +occupied the same site as the upper and lower wards of the present pile; +but nothing remains of it except perhaps the keep, and of that little +beyond its form and position. In 1109 Henry celebrated the feast of +Pentecost with great state and magnificence within the castle. In 1122 +he there espoused his second wife, Adelicia, daughter of Godfrey, Duke +of Louvain; and failing in obtaining issue by her, assembled the barons +at Windsor, and causing them, together with David, King of Scotland, +his sister Adela, and her son Stephen, afterwards King of England, to do +homage to his daughter Maud, widow of the Emperor Henry the Fifth. + +Proof that Windsor Castle was regarded as the second fortress in the +realm is afforded by the treaty of peace between the usurper Stephen and +the Empress Maud, in which it is coupled with the Tower of London under +the designation of Mota de Windsor. At the signing of the treaty it was +committed to the custody of Richard de Lucy, who was continued in the +office of keeper by Henry the Second. + +In the reign of this monarch many repairs were made in the castle, to +which a vineyard was attached--the cultivation of the grape being at +this time extensively practised throughout England. Strange as the +circumstance may now appear, Stow mentions that vines grew in abundance +in the home park in the reign of Richard the Second, the wine made from +them being consumed at the king's table, and even sold. + +It is related by Fabian that Henry, stung by the disobedience and +ingratitude of his sons, caused an allegorical picture to be painted, +representing an old eagle assailed by four young ones, which he placed +in one of the chambers of the castle. When asked the meaning of the +device, he replied, "I am the old eagle, and the four eaglets are +my sons, Who cease not to pursue my death. The youngest bird, who +is tearing out its parent's eyes, is my son John, my youngest and +best-loved son, and who yet is the most eager for my destruction." + +On his departure for the holy wars Richard Coeur de Lion entrusted the +government of the castle to Hugh de Pudsey, Bishop of Durham and Earl of +Northumberland; but a fierce dispute arising between the warrior-prelate +and his ambitious colleague, William Longchamp, Bishop of Ely, he was +seized and imprisoned by the latter, and compelled to surrender the +castle. After an extraordinary display of ostentation, Longchamp was +ousted in his turn. On the arrival of the news of Richard's capture and +imprisonment in Austria, the castle was seized by Prince John; but it +was soon afterwards taken possession of in the king's behalf by the +barons, and consigned to the custody of Eleanor, the queen-dowager. + +In John's reign the castle became the scene of a foul and terrible event +William de Braose, a powerful baron, having offended the king, his wife +Maud was ordered to deliver up her son a hostage for her husband. +But instead of complying with the injunction, she rashly returned for +answer--"that she would not entrust her child to the person who could +slay his own nephew." Upon which the ruthless king seized her and her +son, and enclosing them in a recess in the wall of the castle, built +them up within it. + +Sorely pressed by the barons in 1215, John sought refuge within the +castle, and in the same year signed the two charters, Magna Charta and +Charta de Foresta, at Runnymede--a plain between Windsor and Staines. A +curious account of his frantic demeanour, after divesting himself of +so much power and extending so greatly the liberties of the subject, is +given by Holinshed:--"Having acted so far contrary to his mind, the king +was right sorrowful in heart, cursed his mother that bare him, and +the hour in which he was born; wishing that he had received death by +violence of sword or knife instead of natural nourishment. He whetted +his teeth, and did bite now on one staff, now on another, as he walked, +and oft brake the same in pieces when he had done, and with such +disordered behaviour and furious gestures he uttered his grief, that +the noblemen very well perceived the inclination of his inward affection +concerning these things before the breaking-up of the council, and +therefore sore lamented the state of the realm, guessing what would +follow of his impatience, and displeasant taking of the matter." +The faithless king made an attempt to regain his lost power, and war +breaking out afresh in the following year, a numerous army, under the +command of William de Nivernois, besieged the castle, which was stoutly +defended by Inglehard de Achie and sixty knights. The barons, however, +learning that John was marching through Norfolk and Suffolk, and +ravaging the country, hastily raised the siege and advanced to meet him. +But he avoided them, marched to Stamford and Lincoln, and from thence +towards Wales. On his return from this expedition he was seized with the +distemper of which he died. + +Henry the Third was an ardent encourager of architecture, and his reign +marks the second great epoch in the annals of the castle. In 1223 eight +hundred marks were paid to Engelhard de Cygony, constable of the castle, +John le Draper, and William the clerk of Windsor, masters of the works, +and others, for repairs and works within the castle; the latter, it is +conjectured, referring to the erection of a new great hall within the +lower ward, there being already a hall of small dimensions in the upper +court. The windows of the new building were filled with painted glass, +and at the upper end, upon a raised dais, was a gilt throne sustaining +a statue of the king in his robes. Within this vast and richly decorated +chamber, in 1240, on the day of the Nativity, an infinite number of poor +persons were collected and fed by the king's command. + +During the greater part of Henry's long and eventful reign the works +within the castle proceeded with unabated activity. Carpenters were +maintained on the royal establishment; the ditch between the hall and +the lower ward was repaired; a new kitchen was built; the bridges were +repaired with timber procured from the neighbouring forests; certain +breaches in the wall facing the garden were stopped; the fortifications +were surveyed, and the battlements repaired. At the same time the +queen's chamber was painted and wainscoted, and iron bars were placed +before the windows of Prince Edward's chamber. In 1240 Henry commenced +building an apartment for his own use near the wall of the castle, +sixty feet long and twenty-eight high; another apartment for the queen +contiguous to it; and a chapel, seventy feet long and twenty-eight feet +wide, along the same wall, but with a grassy space between it and the +royal apartments. The chapel, as appears from an order to Walter de +Grey, Archbishop of York, had a Galilee and a cloister, a lofty wooden +roof covered with lead, and a stone turret in front holding three or +four bells. Withinside it was made to appear like stone-work with good +ceiling and painting, and it contained four gilded images. + +This structure is supposed to have been in existence, under the +designation of the Old College Church, in the latter part of the reign +of Henry the Seventh, by whom it was pulled down to make way for the +tomb-house. Traces of its architecture have been discovered by diligent +antiquarian research in the south ambulatory of the Dean's Cloister, and +in the door behind the altar in St. George's Chapel, the latter of +which is conceived to have formed the principal entrance to the older +structure, and has been described as exhibiting "one of the most +beautiful specimens which time and innovation have respected of the +elaborate ornamental work of the period." + +In 1241 Henry commenced operations upon the outworks of the castle, and +the three towers on the western side of the lower ward--now known as the +Curfew, the Garter, and the Salisbury Towers--were erected by him. He +also continued the walls along the south side of the lower ward, traces +of the architecture of the period being discoverable in the inner walls +of the houses of the alms-knights as far as the tower now bearing his +name. From thence it is concluded that the ramparts ran along the east +side of the upper ward to a tower occupying the site of the Wykeham or +Winchester Tower. + +The three towers at the west end of the lower ward, though much +dilapidated, present unquestionable features of the architecture of the +thirteenth century. The lower storey of the Curfew Tower, which has been +but little altered, consists of a large vaulted chamber, twenty-two feet +wide, with walls of nearly thirteen feet in thickness, and having +arched recesses terminated by loopholes. The walls are covered with the +inscriptions of prisoners who have been confined within it. The Garter +Tower, though in a most ruinous condition, exhibits high architectural +beauty in its moulded arches and corbelled passages. The Salisbury Tower +retains only externally, and on the side towards the town, its original +aspect. The remains of a fourth tower are discernible in the Governor +of the Alms-Knights' Tower; and Henry the Third's Tower, as +before observed, completes what remains of the original chain of +fortifications. + +On the 24th of November 1244 Henry issued a writ enjoining "the clerks +of the works at Windsor to work day and night to wainscot the high +chamber upon the wall of the castle near our chapel in the upper bailey, +so that it may be ready and properly wainscoted on Friday next [the 24th +occurring on a Tuesday, only two days were allowed for the task], when +we come there, with boards radiated and coloured, so that nothing be +found reprehensible in that wainscot; and also to make at each gable of +the said chamber one glass window, on the outside of the inner window +of each gable, so that when the inner window shall be closed the glass +windows may be seen outside." + +The following year the works were suspended, but they were afterwards +resumed and continued, with few interruptions; the keep was new +constructed; a stone bench was fixed in the wall near the grass-plot by +the king's chamber; a bridge was thrown across the ditch to the king's +garden, which lay outside the walls; a barbican was erected, to which +a portcullis was subsequently attached; the bridges were defended by +strong iron chains; the old chambers in the upper ward were renovated; +a conduit and lavatory were added; and a fountain was constructed in the +garden. + +In this reign, in all probability, the Norman Tower, which now forms a +gateway between the middle and the upper ward, was erected. This tower, +at present allotted to the house keeper of the castle, Lady Mary Fox, +was used as a prison-lodging during the civil wars of Charles the +First's time; and many noble and gallant captives have left mementoes of +their loyalty and ill fate upon its walls. + +In 1260 Henry received a visit to Windsor from his daughter Margaret, +and her husband, Alexander the Third, King of Scotland. The queen gave +birth to a daughter during her stay at the castle. + +In 1264, during the contest between Henry and the barons, the valiant +Prince Edward, his son, returning from a successful expedition into +Wales, surprised the citizens of London, and carrying off their +military chest, in which was much treasure, retired to Windsor Castle +and strongly garrisoned it. The Queen Eleanor, his mother, would fain +have joined him there, but she was driven back by the citizens at London +Bridge, and compelled to take sanctuary in the palace of the Bishop of +London, at St. Paul's. + +Compelled at length to surrender the castle to the barons, and to depart +from it with his consort, Eleanor of Castile, the brave prince soon +afterwards recovered it, but was again forced to deliver it up to +Simon de Montford, Earl of Leicester, who appointed Geoffrey de Langele +governor. But though frequently wrested from him at this period, Windsor +Castle was never long out of Henry's possession; and in 1265 the chief +citizens of London were imprisoned till they had paid the heavy fine +imposed upon them for their adherence to Simon de Montford, who had been +just before slain at the battle of Evesham. + +During this reign a terrific storm of wind and thunder occurred, which +tore up several great trees in the park, shook the castle, and blew down +a part of the building in which the queen and her family were lodged, +but happily without doing them injury. + +Four of the children of Edward the First, who was blessed with a +numerous offspring, were born at Windsor; and as he frequently +resided at the castle, the town began to increase in importance and +consideration. By a charter granted in 1276 it was created a free +borough, and various privileges were conferred on its inhabitants. Stow +tells us that in 1295, on the last day of February, there suddenly arose +such a fire in the castle of Windsor that many offices were therewith +consumed, and many goodly images, made to beautify the buildings, +defaced and deformed. + +Edward the Second, and his beautiful but perfidious queen, Isabella of +France, made Windsor Castle their frequent abode; and here, on the 13th +day of November 1312 at forty minutes past five in the morning, was +born a prince, over whose nativity the wizard Merlin must have presided. +Baptized within the old chapel by the name of Edward, this prince became +afterwards the third monarch of the name, and the greatest, and was also +styled, from the place of his birth, EDWARD OF WINDSOR. + + + + +II. + + Comprising the Third Great Epoch in the History of the + Castle--And showing how the Most Noble Order of the Garter + was instituted. + + +Strongly attached to the place of his birth, Edward the Third, by his +letters patent dated from Westminster, in the twenty-second year of his +reign, now founded the ancient chapel established by Henry the First, +and dedicated it to the Virgin, Saint George of Cappadocia, and Saint +Edward the Confessor; ordaining that to the eight canons appointed by +his predecessor there should be added one custos, fifteen more canons, +and twenty-four alms-knights; the whole to be maintained out of the +revenues with which the chapel was to be endowed. The institution was +confirmed by Pope Clement the Sixth, by a bull issued at Avignon the +13th of November 1351. + +In 1349, before the foundation of the college had been confirmed, as +above related, Edward instituted the Order of the Garter. The origin of +this illustrious Order has been much disputed. By some writers it has +been ascribed to Richard Coeur de Lion, who is said to have girded a +leathern band round the legs of his bravest knights in. Palestine. By +others it has been asserted that it arose from the word "garter" having +been used as a watchword by Edward at the battle of Cressy. Others again +have stoutly maintained that its ringlike form bore mysterious reference +to the Round Table. But the popular legend, to which, despite the doubts +thrown upon it, credence still attaches, declares its origin to be as +follows: Joan, Countess of Salisbury, a beautiful dame, of whom Edward +was enamoured, while dancing at a high festival accidentally slipped +her garter, of blue embroidered velvet. It was picked up by her royal +partner, who, noticing the significant looks of his courtiers on the +occasion, used the words to them which afterwards became the motto of +the Order--"Honi soit qui mal y pense;" adding that "in a short time +they should see that garter advanced to so high honour and estimation as +to account themselves happy to wear it." + +But whatever may have originated the Order, it unquestionably owes +its establishment to motives of policy. Wise as valiant, and bent upon +prosecuting his claim to the crown of France, Edward, as a means of +accomplishing his object, resolved to collect beneath his standard the +best knights in Europe, and to lend a colour to the design, he gave +forth that he intended a restoration of King Arthur's Round Table, and +accordingly commenced constructing within the castle a large circular +building of two hundred feet in diameter, in which he placed a round +table. On the completion of the work, he issued proclamations throughout +England, Scotland, France, Burgundy, Flanders, Brabant, and the Empire, +inviting all knights desirous of approving their valour to a solemn +feast and jousts to be holden within the castle of Windsor on Saint +George's Day, 1345. The scheme was completely successful. The flower of +the chivalry of Europe--excepting that of Philip the Sixth of France, +who, seeing through the design, interdicted the attendance of his +knights-were present at the tournament, which was graced by Edward +and his chief nobles, together with his queen and three hundred of +her fairest dames, "adorned with all imaginable gallantry." At this +chivalrous convocation the institution of the Order of the Garter +was arranged; but before its final establishment Edward assembled his +principal barons and knights, to determine upon the regulations, when it +was decided that the number should be limited to twenty-six. + +The first installation took place on the anniversary of Saint George, +the patron of the Order, 1349, when the king, accompanied by the +twenty-five knights'-companions, attired in gowns of russet, with +mantles of fine blue woollen cloth, powdered with garters, and hearing +the other insignia of the Order, marched bareheaded in solemn procession +to the chapel of Saint George, then recently rebuilt, where mass was +performed by William Edington, Bishop of Winchester, after which they +partook of a magnificent banquet. The festivities were continued for +several days. At the jousts held on this occasion, David, King of +Scotland, the Lord Charles of Blois, and Ralph, Earl of Eu and Guisnes, +and Constable of France, to whom the chief prize of the day was +adjudged, with others, then prisoners, attended. The harness of the King +of Scotland, embroidered with a pale of red velvet, and beneath it a +red rose, was provided at Edward's own charge. This suit of armour was, +until a few years back, preserved in the Round Tower, where the royal +prisoner was confined. Edward's device was a white swan, gorged, or, +with the "daring and inviting" motto-- + +Hay hay the wythe swan By God's soul I am thy man. + +The insignia of the Order in the days of its founder were the garter, +mantle, surcoat, and hood, the George and collar being added by Henry +the Eighth. The mantle, as before intimated, was originally of fine blue +woollen cloth; but velvet, lined with taffeta, was substituted by +Henry the Sixth, the left shoulder being adorned with the arms of Saint +George, embroidered within a garter. Little is known of the materials +of which the early garter was composed; but it is supposed to have been +adorned with gold, and fastened with a buckle of the same metal. +The modern garter is of blue velvet, bordered with gold wire, and +embroidered with the motto, "Honi soit qui mal y pense." It is worn on +the left leg, a little below the knee. The most magnificent garter +that ever graced a sovereign was that presented to Charles the First by +Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, each letter in the motto of which was +composed of diamonds. The collar is formed of pieces of gold fashioned +like garters, with a blue enamelled ground. The letters of the motto are +in gold, with a rose enamelled red in the centre of each garter. From +the collar hangs the George, an ornament enriched with precious stones, +and displaying the figure of the saint encountering the dragon. + +The officers of the Order are the prelate, represented by the Bishop +of Winchester; the Chancellor, by the Bishop of Oxford; the registrar, +dean, garter king-at-arms, and the usher of the black rod. Among the +foreign potentates who have been invested with the Order are eight +emperors of Germany, two of Russia, five kings of France, three of +Spain, one of Arragon, seven of Portugal, one of Poland, two of Sweden, +six of Denmark, two of Naples, one of Sicily and Jerusalem, one of +Bohemia, two of Scotland, seven princes of Orange, and many of the most +illustrious personages of different ages in Europe. + +Truly hath the learned Selden written, "that the Order of the Garter +hath not only precedency of antiquity before the eldest rank of honour +of that kind anywhere established, but it exceeds in majesty, honour, +and fame all chivalrous orders in the world." Well also hath glorious +Dryden, in the "Flower and the Leaf," sung the praises of the +illustrious Institution:-- + +"Behold an order yet of newer date, Doubling their number, equal in +their state; Our England's ornament, the crown's defence, In battle +brave, protectors of their prince: Unchanged by fortune, to their +sovereign true, For which their manly legs are bound with blue. These +of the Garter call'd, of faith unstain'd, In fighting fields the laurel +have obtain'd, And well repaid the laurels which they gained." + +In 1357 John, King of France, defeated at the battle of Poitiers by +Edward the Black Prince, was brought captive to Windsor; and on the +festival of Saint George in the following year; 1358, Edward outshone +all his former splendid doings by a tournament which he gave in honour +of his royal prisoner. Proclamation having been made as before, and +letters of safe conduct issued, the nobles and knighthood of Almayne, +Gascoigne, Scotland, and other countries, flocked to attend it, The +Queen of Scotland, Edward's sister, was present at the jousts; and it is +said that John, commenting upon the splendour of the spectacle, shrewdly +observed "that he never saw or knew such royal shows and feastings +without some after-reckoning." The same monarch replied to his +kingly captor, who sought to rouse him from dejection, on another +occasion--"Quomodo cantabimus canticum in terra aliena!" + +That his works might not be retarded for want of hands, Edward in the +twenty-fourth year of his reign appointed John de Sponlee master of the +stonehewers, with a power not only "to take and keep, as well within +the liberties as without, as many masons and other artificers as were +necessary, and to convey them to Windsor, but to arrest and imprison +such as should disobey or refuse; with a command to all sheriffs, +mayors, bailiffs, etc., to assist him." These powers were fully acted +upon at a later period, when some of the workmen, having left their +employment, were thrown into Newgate; while the place of others, who had +been carried off by a pestilence then raging in the castle, was supplied +by impressment. + +In 1356 WILLIAM OF WYKEHAM was constituted superintendent of the works, +with the same powers as John de Sponlee, and his appointment marks +an important era in the annals of the castle. Originally secretary to +Edward the Third, this remarkable man became Bishop of Winchester and +prelate of the Garter. When he solicited the bishopric, it is said +that Edward told him he was neither a priest nor a scholar; to which he +replied that he would soon be the one, and in regard to the other, he +would make more scholars than all the bishops of England ever did. He +made good his word by founding the collegiate school at Winchester, and +erecting New College at Oxford. When the Winchester Tower was finished, +he caused the words, HOC FECIT WYKEHAM, to be carved upon it; and the +king, offended at his presumption, Wykeham turned away his displeasure +by declaring that the inscription meant that the castle had made him, +and not that he had made the castle. It is a curious coincidence that +this tower, after a lapse of four centuries and a half, should become +the residence of an architect possessing the genius of Wykeham, and who, +like him, had rebuilt the kingly edifice--SIR JEFFRY WYATVILLE. + +William of Wykeham retired from office, loaded with honours, in 1362, +and was succeeded by William de Mulso. He was interred in the cathedral +at Winchester. His arms were argent, two chevrons, sable, between three +roses, gules, with the motto--"Manners maketh man." + +In 1359 Holinshed relates that the king "set workmen in hand to take +down much old buildings belonging to the castle, and caused divers other +fine and sumptuous works to be set up in and about the same castle, so +that almost all the masons and carpenters that were of any account +in the land were sent for and employed about the same works." The old +buildings here referred to were probably the remains of the palace and +keep of Henry the First in the middle ward. + +As the original chapel dedicated to Saint George was demolished by +Edward the Fourth, its position and form cannot be clearly determined, +But a conjecture has been hazarded that it occupied the same ground as +the choir of the present chapel, and extended farther eastward. + +"Upon the question of its style," says Mr. Poynter, from whose valuable +account of the castle much information has been derived, "there is the +evidence of two fragments discovered near this site, a corbel and +a piscina, ornamented with foliage strongly characteristic of the +Decorated English Gothic, and indicating, by the remains of colour +on their surfaces, that they belonged to an edifice adorned in the +polychromatic style, so elaborately developed in the chapel already +built by Edward the Third at Westminster." + +The royal lodgings, Saint George's Hall, the buildings on the east and +north sides of the upper ward, the Round Tower, the canons' houses in +the lower ward, and the whole circumference of the castle, exclusive of +the towers erected in Henry the Third's reign, were now built. Among the +earlier works in Edward's reign is the Dean's Cloister. The square of +the upper ward, added by this monarch, occupied a space of four +hundred and twenty feet, and encroached somewhat upon the middle ward. +Externally the walls presented a grim, regular appearance, broken only +by the buttresses, and offering no other apertures than the narrow +loopholes and gateways. Some traces of the architecture of the period +may still be discerned in the archway and machecoulis of the principal +gateway adjoining the Round Tower; the basement chamber of the Devil +Tower, or Edward the Third's Tower; and in the range of groined and +four-centred vaulting, extending along the north side of the upper +quadrangle, from the kitchen gateway to King John's Tower. + +In 1359 Queen Philippa, consort of Edward the Third, breathed her last +in Windsor Castle. + +Richard the Second, grandson of Edward the Third, frequently kept his +court at Windsor. Here, in 1382, it was determined by council that war +should be declared against France; and here, sixteen years later, on a +scaffold erected within the castle, the famous appeal for high treason +was made by Henry of Lancaster, Duke of Hereford, against Thomas +Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, the latter of whom defied his accuser to +mortal combat. The duel was stopped by the king, and the adversaries +banished; but the Duke of Lancaster afterwards returned to depose his +banisher. About the same time, the citizens of London having refused +Richard a large loan, he summoned the lord mayor, sheriffs, aldermen, +and twenty-four of the principal citizens, to his presence, and after +rating them soundly, ordered them all into custody, imprisoning the lord +mayor in the castle. + +In this reign Geoffrey Chaucer, "the father of English poetry," was +appointed clerk to the works of Saint George's Chapel, at a salary of +two shillings per day (a sum equal to 657 pounds per annum of modern +money), with the same arbitrary power as had been granted to previous +surveyors to impress carpenters and masons. Chaucer did not retain his +appointment more than twenty months, and was succeeded by John Gedney. + +It was at Windsor that Henry the Fourth, scarcely assured of the crown +he had seized, received intelligence of a conspiracy against his life +from the traitorous Aumerle, who purchased his own safety at the expense +of his confederates. The timely warning enabled the king to baffle the +design. It was in Windsor also that the children of Mortimer, Earl of +March, the rightful successor to the throne, were detained as hostages +for their father. Liberated by the Countess-dowager of Gloucester, +who contrived to open their prison door with false keys, the youthful +captives escaped to the marshes of Wales, where, however, they were +overtaken by the emissaries of Henry, and brought back to their former +place of confinement. + +A few years later another illustrious prisoner was brought to +Windsor--namely, Prince James, the son of King Robert the Third, and +afterwards James the First of Scotland. This prince remained a captive +for upwards of eighteen years; not being released till 1424, in the +second of Henry the Sixth, by the Duke of Bedford, then regent. James's +captivity, and his love for Jane of Beaufort, daughter of the Duke of +Somerset, and granddaughter to John of Gaunt, to whom he was united, +have breathed a charm over the Round Tower, where he was confined; and +his memory, like that of the chivalrous and poetical Surrey, whom he +resembled in character and accomplishments, will be ever associated with +it. + +In the "King's Quair," the royal poet has left an exquisite picture of a +garden nook, contrived within the dry moat of the dungeon. + +"Now was there made, fast by the tower's wall, A garden faire, and in +the corners set An arbour green with wandis long and small Railed about, +and so with leaves beset Was all the place, and hawthorn hedges knet, +That lyf was none, walking there forbye, That might within scarce any +wight espy. So thick the branches and the leave's green Beshaded all +the alleys that there were. And midst of every harbour might be seen +The sharpe, green, sweet juniper, Growing so fair with branches here +and there, That as it seemed to a lyf without The boughs did spread the +arbour all about." + +And he thus describes the first appearance of the lovely Jane, and the +effect produced upon him by her charms: + +"And therewith cast I down mine eye again, Where as I saw walking under +the tower, Full secretly, new comyn her to plain, The fairest and the +freshest younge flower That e'er I saw, methought, before that hour; +For which sudden abate, anon did start The blood of all my body to my +heart." + +Henry the Fifth occasionally kept his court at Windsor, and in 1416 +entertained with great magnificence the Emperor Sigismund, who brought +with him an invaluable relic--the heart of Saint George--which he +bestowed upon the chapter. The emperor was at the same time invested +with the Order. + +In 1421 the unfortunate Henry the Sixth was born within the castle, and +in 1484 he was interred within it. + + + + +III. + + Comprising the Fourth Epoch in the History of the Castle-- + And showing how Saint George's Chapel was rebuilt by King + Edward the Fourth. + + +Finding the foundation and walls of Saint George's Chapel much +dilapidated and decayed, Edward the Fourth resolved to pull down the +pile, and build a larger and statelier structure in its place. With this +view, he constituted Richard Beauchamp, Bishop of Salisbury, surveyor +of the works, from whose designs arose the present beautiful edifice. To +enable the bishop to accomplish the work, power was given him to remove +all obstructions, and to enlarge the space by the demolition of the +three buildings then commonly called Clure's Tower, Berner's Tower, and +the Almoner's Tower. + +The zeal and assiduity with which Beauchamp prosecuted his task is +adverted to in the patent of his appointment to the office of chancellor +of the Garter, the preamble whereof recites, "that out of mere love +towards the Order, he had given himself the leisure daily to attend the +advancement and progress of this goodly fabric." + +The chapel, however, was not completed in one reign, or by one +architect. Sir Reginald Bray, prime minister of Henry the Seventh, +succeeded Bishop Beauchamp as surveyor of the works, and it was by him +that the matchless roof of the choir and other parts of the fabric were +built. Indeed, the frequent appearance of Bray's arms, sometimes single, +sometimes impaling his alliances, in many parts of the ceiling and +windows, has led to the supposition that he himself contributed largely +to the expense of the work. The groined ceiling of the chapel was +not commenced till the twenty-seventh year of the reign of Henry the +Seventh, when the pinnacles of the roof were decorated with vanes, +supported by gilt figures of lions, antelopes, greyhounds, and dragons, +the want of which is still a detriment to the external beauty of the +structure. + +"The main vaulting of St. George's Chapel," says Mr. Poynter, "is +perhaps, without exception, the most beautiful specimen of the Gothic +stone roof in existence; but it has been very improperly classed with +those of the same architectural period in the chapels of King's College, +Cambridge, and Henry the Seventh, at Westminster. The roofing of the +aisle and the centre compartment of the body of the building are indeed +in that style, but the vault of the nave and choir differ essentially +from fan vaulting, both in drawing and construction. It is, in fact, +a waggon-headed vault, broken by Welsh groins--that is to say, groins +which cut into the main arch below the apex. It is not singular in the +principle of its design, but it is unique in its proportions, in which +the exact mean seems to be attained between the poverty and monotony of +a waggon-headed ceiling and the ungraceful effect of a mere groined roof +with a depressed roof or large span--to which may be added, that with a +richness of effect scarcely, if at all, inferior to fan tracery, it +is free from those abrupt junctions of the lines and other defects of +drawing inevitable when the length and breadth of the compartments of +fan vaulting differ very much, of which King's College Chapel exhibits +some notable instances." + +Supported by these exquisite ribs and groins, the ceiling is decorated +with heraldic insignia, displaying the arms of Edward the Confessor, +Edward the Third, Edward the Black Prince, Henry the Sixth, Edward +the Fourth, Henry the Seventh, and Henry the Eighth; with the arms of +England and France quartered, the holy cross, the shield or cross of +Saint George, the rose, portcullis, lion rampant, unicorn, fleur-de-lis, +dragon, and prince's feathers, together with the arms of a multitude of +noble families. In the nave are emblazoned the arms of Henry the Eighth, +and of several knights-companions, among which are those of Charles the +Fifth, Francis the First, and Ferdinand, Infant of Spain. The extreme +lightness and graceful proportions of the pillars lining the aisles +contribute greatly to the effect of this part of the structure. + +Beautiful, however, as is the body of the chapel, it is not comparable +to the choir. Here, and on either side, are ranged the stalls of the +knights, formerly twenty-six in number, but now increased to thirty-two, +elaborately carved in black oak, and covered by canopies of the richest +tabernacle-work, supported by slender pillars. On the pedestals is +represented the history of the Saviour, and on the front of the stalls +at the west end of the choir is carved the legend of Saint George; while +on the outside of the upper seat is cut, in old Saxon characters, the +twentieth Psalm in Latin. On the canopies of the stalls are placed the +mantle, helmet, coat, and sword of the knights-companions; and above +them are hung their emblazoned banners. On the back of each stall are +fixed small enamelled plates, graven with the titles of the knights +who have occupied it. The ancient stall of the sovereign was removed in +1788, and a new seat erected. + +The altar was formerly adorned with costly hangings of crimson velvet +and gold, but these, together with the consecrated vessels of great +value, were seized by order of Parliament in 1642 amid the general +plunder of the foundation. The service of the altar was replaced by +Charles the Second. + +The sovereign's stall is immediately on the right on the entrance to the +choir, and the prince's on the left. The queen's closet is on the +north side above the altar. Beneath it is the beautiful and +elaborately-wrought framework of iron, representing a pair of gates +between two Gothic towers, designed as a screen to the tomb of Edward +the Fourth, and which, though popularly attributed to Quentin Matsys, +has with more justice been assigned to Master John Tressilian. + +One great blemish to the chapel exists in the window over the altar, +the mullions and tracery of which have been removed to make way for +dull colourless copies in painted glass of West's designs. Instead of +--"blushing with the blood of kings, And twilight saints, and dim +emblazonings"--steeping the altar in rich suffusion, chequering the +walls and pavement with variegated hues, and filling the whole sacred +spot with a warm and congenial glow, these panes produce a cold, +cheerless, and most disagreeable effect. + +The removal of this objectionable feature, and the restoration of +framework and compartments in the style of the original, and enriched +with ancient mellow-toned and many-hued glass in keeping with the place, +are absolutely indispensable to the completeness and unity of character +of the chapel. Two clerestory windows at the east end of the choir, +adjoining the larger window, have been recently filled with stained +glass in much better taste. + +The objections above made may be urged with equal force against the east +and west windows of the south aisle of the body of the fane, and the +west window of the north aisle. The glorious west window, composed of +eighty compartments, embellished with figures of kings, patriarchs, and +bishops, together with the insignia of the Garter and the arms of the +prelates--the wreck gathered from all the other windows--and streaming +with the radiance of the setting sun upon the broad nave and graceful +pillars of the aisles--this superb window, an admirable specimen of the +architecture of the age in which it was designed, had well-nigh shared +the fate of the others, and was only preserved from desecration by the +circumstance of the death of the glass-painter. The mullions of this +window being found much decayed, were carefully and consistently +restored during the last year by Mr. Blore, and the ancient stained +glass replaced. + +Not only does Saint George's Chapel form a house of prayer and a temple +of chivalry, but it is also the burial-place of kings. At the east end +of the north aisle of the choir is a plain flag, bearing the words-- + +King Edward IIII. And his Queen Elizabeth Widville. + +The coat of mail and surcoat, decorated with rubies and precious stones, +together with other rich trophies once ornamenting this tomb, were +carried off by the Parliamentary plunderers. Edward's queen, Elizabeth +Woodville, it was thought, slept beside him; but when the royal tomb was +opened in 1789, and the two coffins within it examined, the smaller one +was found empty. The queen's body was subsequently discovered in a stone +coffin by the workmen employed in excavating the vault for George the +Third. Edward's coffin was seven feet long, and contained a perfect +skeleton. On the opposite aisle, near the choir door, as already +mentioned, rests the ill-fated Henry the Sixth, beneath an arch +sumptuously embellished by Henry the Eighth, on the key-stone of which +may still be seen his arms, supported by two antelopes connected by a +golden chain. Henry's body was removed from Chertsey, where it was first +interred, and reburied in 1484, with much solemnity, in this spot. Such +was the opinion entertained of his sanctity that miracles were supposed +to be wrought upon his tomb, and Henry the Seventh applied to have +him canonised, but the demands of the Pope were too exorbitant. The +proximity of Henry and Edward in death suggested the following lines to +Pope-- + +"Here, o'er the martyr-king the marble weeps, And fast beside him +once-fear'd Edward sleeps; The grave unites, where e'en the grave finds +rest, And mingled here the oppressor and the opprest." + +In the royal vault in the choir repose Henry the Eighth and his third +queen Jane Seymour, together with the martyred Charles the First. + +Space only permits the hasty enumeration of the different chapels and +chantries adorning this splendid fane. These are Lincoln Chapel, near +which Richard Beauchamp, Bishop of Salisbury, is buried; Oxenbridge +Chapel; Aldworth Chapel; Bray Chapel, where rests the body of Sir +Reginald de Bray, the architect of the pile; Beaufort Chapel, containing +sumptuous monuments of the noble family of that name; Rutland Chapel; +Hastings Chapel; and Urswick Chapel, in which is now placed the cenotaph +of the Princess Charlotte, sculptured by Matthew Wyatt. + +In a vault near the sovereign's stall lie the remains of the Duke of +Gloucester, who died in 1805, and of his duchess, who died two years +after him. And near the entrance of the south door is a slab of grey +marble, beneath which lies \one who in his day filled the highest +offices of the realm, and was the brother of a king and the husband of a +queen. It is inscribed with the great name of Charles Brandon. + +At the east end of the north aisle is the chapter-house, in which is a +portrait and the sword of state of Edward the Third. + +Adjoining the chapel on the east stands the royal tombhouse. Commenced +by Henry the Seventh as a mausoleum, but abandoned for the chapel in +Westminster Abbey, this structure was granted by Henry the Eighth to +Wolsey, who, intending it as a place of burial for himself, erected +within it a sumptuous monument of black and white marble, with eight +large brazen columns placed around it, and four others in the form of +candlesticks. + +At the time of the cardinal's disgrace, when the building reverted to +the crown, the monument was far advanced towards completion--the vast +sum of 4280 ducats having been paid to Benedetto, a Florentine sculptor, +for work, and nearly four hundred pounds for gilding part of it. This +tomb was stripped of its ornaments and destroyed by the Parliamentary +rebels in 1646; but the black marble sarcophagus forming part of it, and +intended as a receptacle for Wolsey's own remains, escaped destruction, +and now covers the grave of Nelson in a crypt of Saint Paul's Cathedral. + +Henry the Eighth was not interred in this mausoleum, but in Saint +George's Chapel, as has just been mentioned, and as he himself directed, +"midway between the state and the high altar." Full instructions +were left by him for the erection of a monument which, if it had been +completed, would have been truly magnificent. The pavement was to be of +oriental stones, with two great steps upon it of the same material. The +two pillars of the church between which the tomb was to be set were to +be covered with bas-reliefs, representing the chief events of the Old +Testament, angels with gilt garlands, fourteen images of the prophets, +the apostles, the evangelists, and the four doctors of the Church, and +at the foot of every image a little child with a basket full of red and +white roses enamelled and gilt. Between these pillars, on a basement of +white marble, the epitaphs of the king and queen were to be written in +letters of gold. + +On the same basement were to be two tombs of black touchstone supporting +the images of the king and queen, not as dead, but sleeping, "to show," +so runs the order, "that famous princes leaving behind them great fame +do never die." On the right hand, at either corner of the tomb, was to +be an angel holding the king's arms, with a great candlestick, and +at the opposite corners two other angels hearing the queen's arms and +candlesticks. Between the two black tombs was to rise a high basement, +like a sepulchre, surmounted by a statue of the king on horseback, in +armour--both figures to be "of the whole stature of a goodly man and +a large horse." Over this statue was to be a canopy, like a triumphal +arch, of white marble, garnished with oriental stones of divers colours, +with the history of Saint John the Baptist wrought in gilt brass upon +it, with a crowning group of the Father holding the soul of the king in +his right hand and the soul of the queen in his left, and blessing them. +The height of the monument was to be twenty-eight feet. + +The number of statues was to be one hundred and thirty-four, with +forty-four bas-reliefs. It would be matter of infinite regret that this +great design was never executed, if its destruction by the Parliamentary +plunderers would not in that case have been also matter of certainty. + +Charles the First intended to fit up this structure as a royal +mausoleum, but was diverted from the plan by the outbreak of the civil +war. It was afterwards used as a chapel by James the Second, and mass +was publicly performed in it. The ceiling was painted by Verrio, and the +walls highly ornamented; but the decorations were greatly injured by the +fury of an anti-Catholic mob, who assailed the building, and destroyed +its windows, on the occasion of a banquet given to the Pope's nuncio by +the king. + +In this state it continued till the commencement of the present century, +when the exterior was repaired by George the Third, and a vault, +seventy feet in length, twenty-eight in width, and fourteen in depth, +constructed within it, for the reception of the royal family. Catacombs, +formed of massive octangular pillars, and supporting ranges of shelves, +line the walls on either side. + +At the eastern extremity there are five niches, and in the middle twelve +low tombs. A subterranean passage leads from the vault beneath the choir +of Saint George's altar to the sepulchre. Within it are deposited the +bodies of George the Third and Queen Charlotte, the Princesses Amelia +and Charlotte, the Dukes of Kent and York, and the last two sovereigns, +George the Fourth and William the Fourth. + +But to return to the reign of Edward the Fourth, from which the desire +to bring down the history of Saint George's Chapel to the present time +has led to the foregoing digression. About the same time that the chapel +was built, habitations for the dean and canons were erected on the +north-east of the fane, while another range of dwellings for the minor +canons was built at its west end, disposed in the form of a fetterlock, +one of the badges of Edward the Fourth, and since called the Horse-shoe +Cloisters. The ambulatory of these cloisters once displayed a fine +specimen of the timber architecture of Henry the Seventh's time, when +they were repaired, but little of their original character can now be +discerned. + +In 1482 Edward, desirous of advancing his popularity with the citizens +of London, invited the lord mayor and aldermen to Windsor, where he +feasted them royally, and treated them to the pleasures of the chase, +sending them back to their spouses loaded with game. + +In 1484 Richard the Third kept the feast of Saint George at Windsor, and +the building of the chapel was continued during his reign. + +The picturesque portion of the castle on the north side of the upper +ward, near the Norman Gateway, and which is one of the noblest Gothic +features of the proud pile, was built by Henry the Seventh, whose name +it still bears. The side of this building looking towards the terrace +was originally decorated with two rich windows, but one of them has +disappeared, and the other has suffered much damage. + +In 1500 the deanery was rebuilt by Dean Urswick. At the lower end of +the court, adjoining the canons' houses behind the Horse-shoe Cloisters, +stands the Collegiate Library, the date of which is uncertain, though it +may perhaps be referred to this period. The establishment was enriched +in later times by a valuable library, bequeathed to it by the Earl of +Ranelagh. + +In 1506 Windsor was the scene of great festivity, in consequence of the +unexpected arrival of Philip, King of Castile, and his queen, who had +been driven by stress of weather into Weymouth. The royal visitors +remained for several weeks at the castle, during which it continued a +scene of revelry, intermixed with the sports of the chase. At the same +time Philip was invested with the Order of the Garter, and installed in +the chapel of St. George. + +The great gateway to the lower ward was built in the commencement of +the reign of Henry the Eighth; it is decorated with his arms and +devices--the rose, portcullis, and fleur-de-lis, and with the bearings +of Catherine of Arragon. In 1522 Charles the Fifth visited Windsor, and +was installed I knight of the Garter. + +During a period of dissension in the council, Edward the Sixth was +removed for safety to Windsor by the Lord Protector Somerset, and here, +at a later period, the youthful monarch received a letter from the +council urging the dismissal of Somerset, with which, by the advice of +the Arch-bishop of Canterbury, he complied. + +In this reign an undertaking to convey water to the castle from +Blackmore Park, near Wingfield, a distance of five miles, was commenced, +though it was not till 1555, in the time of Mary, that the plan was +accomplished, when a pipe was brought into the upper ward, "and there +the water plenteously did rise thirteen feet high." In the middle of the +court was erected a magnificent fountain, consisting of a canopy +raised upon columns, gorgeously decorated with heraldic ornaments, and +surmounted by a great vane, with the arms of Philip and Mary impaled +upon it, and supported by a lion and an eagle, gilt and painted. The +water was discharged by a great dragon, one of the supporters of the +Tudor arms, into the cistern beneath, whence it was conveyed by pipes to +every part of the castle. + +Mary held her court at Windsor soon after her union with Philip of +Spain. About this period the old habitations of the alms-knights on the +south side of the lower quadrangle were taken down, and others erected +in their stead. + +Fewer additions were made to Windsor Castle by Elizabeth than might have +been expected from her predilection for it as a place of residence. She +extended and widened the north terrace, where, when lodging within the +castle, she daily took exercise, whatever might be the weather. The +terrace at this time, as it is described by Paul Hentzner, and as it +appears in Norden's view, was a sort of balcony projecting beyond the +scarp of the hill, and supported by great cantilevers of wood. + +In 1576 the gallery still bearing her name, and lying between Henry the +Seventh's buildings and the Norman Tower, was erected by Elizabeth. This +portion of the castle had the good fortune to escape the alterations and +modifications made in almost every other part of the upper ward after +the restoration of Charles the Second. It now forms the library. A large +garden was laid out by the same queen, and a small gateway on Castle +Hill built by her--which afterwards became one of the greatest +obstructions to the approach, and it was taken down by George the +Fourth. + +Elizabeth often hunted in the parks, and exhibited her skill in archery, +which was by no means inconsiderable, at the butts. Her fondness for +dramatic performances likewise induced her to erect a stage within +the castle, on which plays and interludes were performed. And to her +admiration of the character of Falstaff, and her love of the locality, +the world is indebted for the "Merry Wives of Windsor." + +James the First favoured Windsor as much as his predecessors; caroused +within its halls, and chased the deer in its parks; Christian the Fourth +of Denmark was sumptuously entertained by him at Windsor. In this reign +a curious dispute occurred between the king and the dean and chapter +respecting the repair of a breach in the wall, which was not brought +to issue for three years, when, after much argument, it was decided in +favour of the clergy. + +Little was done at Windsor by Charles the First until the tenth year of +his reign, when a banqueting-house erected by Elizabeth was taken down, +and the magnificent fountain constructed by Queen Mary demolished. Two +years after wards "a pyramid or lantern," with a clock, hell, and dial, +was ordered to be set up in front of the castle, and a balcony was +erected before the room where Henry the Sixth was born. + +In the early part of the year 1642 Charles retired to Windsor to +shield himself from the insults of the populace, and was followed by a +committee of the House of Commons, who prevailed upon him to desist from +the prosecution of the impeached members. On the 23rd of October in +the same year, Captain Fogg, at the head of a Parliamentarian force, +demanded the keys of the college treasury, and, not being able to obtain +them, forced open the doors, and carried off the whole of the plate. + +The plunder of the college was completed by Vane, the Parliamentary +governor of the castle, who seized upon the whole of the furniture and +decorations of the choir, rifled the tomb of Edward the Fourth, +stripped off all the costly ornaments from Wolsey's tomb, defaced the +emblazonings over Henry the Sixth's grave, broke the rich painted glass +of the windows, and wantonly destroyed the exquisite woodwork of the +choir. + +Towards the close of the year 1648 the ill-fated Charles was brought a +prisoner to Windsor, where he remained while preparations were made for +the execrable tragedy soon afterwards enacted. After the slaughter of +the martyr-monarch the castle became the prison of the Earl of Norwich, +Lord Capel, and the Duke of Hamilton, and other royalists and cavaliers. + +Cromwell frequently resided within the castle, and often took a moody +and distrustful walk upon the terrace. It was during the Protectorate, +in 1677, that the ugly buildings appropriated to the naval knights, and +standing between the Garter Tower and Chancellor's Tower, were erected +by Sir Francis Crane. + + + + +IV. + + Containing the History of the Castle from the Reign of + Charles the Second to that of George the Third--With a few + Particulars concerning the Parks and the Forest. Windsor + Castle. + +ON the Restoration the castle resumed its splendour, and presented a +striking contrast to the previous gloomy period. The terrace, with its +festive groups, resembled a picture by Watteau, the courts resounded +with laughter, and the velvet sod of the home park was as often pressed +by the foot of frolic beauty as by that of the tripping deer. + +Seventeen state apartments were erected by Sir Christopher Wren, under +the direction of Sir John Denham. The ceilings were painted by Verrio, +and the walls decorated with exquisite carvings by Grinling Gibbons. A +grand staircase was added at the same time. Most of the chambers were +hung with tapestry, and all adorned with pictures and costly furniture. +The addition made to the castle by Charles was the part of the north +front, then called the "Star Building," from the star of the Order of +the Garter worked in colours in the front of it, but now denominated the +"Stuart Building," extending eastward along the terrace from Henry the +Seventh's building one hundred and seventy feet. In 1676 the ditch was +filled up, and the terrace carried along the south and east fronts of +the castle. + +Meanwhile the original character of the castle was completely destroyed +and Italianised. The beautiful and picturesque irregularities of the +walls were removed, the towers shaved off, the windows transformed into +commonplace circular-headed apertures. And so the castle remained for +more than a century. + +Edward the Third's Tower, indifferently called the Earl Marshal's +Tower and the Devil Tower, and used as a place of confinement for state +prisoners, was now allotted to the maids of honour. It was intended by +Charles to erect a monument in honour of his martyred father on the site +of the tomb-house, which he proposed to remove, and 70,000 pounds were +voted by Parliament for this purpose. The design, however, was abandoned +under the plea that the body could not be found, though it was perfectly +well known where it lay. The real motive, probably, was that Charles had +already spent the money. + +In 1680 an equestrian statue of Charles the Second, executed by Strada, +at the expense of Tobias Rustat, formerly housekeeper at Hampton Court, +was placed in the centre of the upper ward. It now stands at the lower +end of the same court. The sculptures on the pedestal were designed by +Grinling Gibbons; and Horace Walpole pleasantly declared that the statue +had no other merit than to attract attention to them. + +In old times a road, forming a narrow irregular avenue, ran through the +woods from the foot of the castle to Snow Hill but this road having been +neglected during a long series of years, the branches of the trees +and underwood had so much encroached upon it as to render it wholly +impassable. A grand avenue, two hundred and forty feet wide, was planned +by Charles in its place, and the magnificent approach called the Long +Walk laid out and planted. + +The only material incident connected with the castle during the reign of +James the Second has been already related. + +Windsor was not so much favoured as Hampton Court by William the Third, +though he contemplated alterations within it during the latter part of +his life which it may be matter of rejoicing were never accomplished. + +Queen Anne's operations were chiefly directed towards the parks, +in improving which nearly 40,000 pounds were expended. In 1707 the +extensive avenue running almost parallel with the Long Walk, and called +the "Queen's Walk," was planted by her; and three years afterwards +a carriage road was formed through the Long Walk. A garden was also +planned on the north side of the castle. In this reign Sir James +Thornhill commenced painting Charles the Second's staircase with designs +from Ovid's Metamorphoses, but did not complete his task till after the +accession of George the First. This staircase was removed in 1800, to +make way for the present Gothic entrance erected by the elder Wyatt. + +The first two monarchs of the house of Hanover rarely used Windsor as a +residence, preferring Hampton Court and Kensington; and even George the +Third did not actually live in the castle, but in the Queen's Lodge--a +large detached building, with no pretension to architectural beauty, +which he himself erected opposite the south terrace, at a cost of nearly +44,000 pounds. With most praiseworthy zeal, and almost entirely at his +own expense, this monarch undertook the restoration of Saint George's +Chapel. The work was commenced in 1787, occupied three years, and +was executed by Mr. Emlyn, a local architect. The whole building was +repaved, a new altar-screen and organ added, and the carving restored. + +In 1796 Mr. James Wyatt was appointed surveyor-general of the royal +buildings, and effected many internal arrangements. Externally he +restored Wren's round-headed windows to their original form, and at the +same time gothicized a large portion of the north and south sides of the +upper ward. + +Before proceeding further, a word must be said about the parks. The home +park, which lies on the east and north sides of the castle, is about +four miles in circumference, and was enlarged and enclosed with a brick +wall by William the Third. On the east, and nearly on the site of the +present sunk garden, a bowling-green was laid out by Charles the Second. +Below, on the north, were Queen Anne's gardens, since whose time the +declivity of the hill has been planted with forest trees. At the +east angle of the north terrace are the beautiful slopes, with a path +skirting the north side of the home park and leading through charming +plantations in the direction of the royal farm and dairy, the ranger's +lodge, and the kennel for the queen's harriers. This park contains many +noble trees; and the grove of elms in the south-east, near the spot +where the scathed oak assigned to Herne stands, is traditionally +asserted to have been a favourite walk of Queen Elizabeth. It still +retains her name. + +The great park is approached by the magnificent avenue called the Long +Walk, laid out, as has been stated, by Charles the Second, and extending +to the foot of Snow Hill, the summit of which is crowned by the colossal +equestrian statue of George the Third, by Westmacott. Not far from this +point stands Cumberland Lodge, which derives its name from William, Duke +of Cumberland, to whom it was granted in 1744. According to Norden's +survey, in 1607, this park contained 3050 acres; but when surveyed by +George the Third it was found to consist of 3800 acres, of which 200 +were covered with water. At that time the park was over grown with fern +and rushes, and abounded in bogs and swamps, which in many places were +dangerous and almost impassable. It contained about three thousand head +of deer in bad condition. The park has since been thoroughly drained, +smoothed, and new planted in parts; and two farms have been introduced +upon it, under the direction of Mr. Kent, at which the Flemish and +Norfolk modes of husbandry have been successfully practised. + +Boasting every variety of forest scenery, and commanding from its knolls +and acclivities magnificent views of the castle, the great park is +traversed, in all directions, by green drives threading its long +vistas, or crossing its open glades, laid out by George the Fourth. +Amid the groves at the back of Spring Hill, in a charmingly sequestered +situation, stands a small private chapel, built in the Gothic style, and +which was used as a place of devotion by George the Fourth during the +progress of the improvements at the castle, and is sometimes attended by +the present queen. + +Not the least of the attractions of the park is Virginia Water, with +its bright and beautiful expanse, its cincture of green banks, soft and +smooth as velvet, its screen of noble woods, its Chinese fishing-temple, +its frigates, its ruins, its cascade, cave, and Druidical temple, its +obelisk and bridges, with numberless beauties besides, which it would be +superfluous to describe here. This artificial mere covers pretty nearly +the same surface of ground as that occupied by the great lake of olden +times. + +Windsor forest once comprehended a circumference of a hundred and twenty +miles, and comprised part of Buckinghamshire, a considerable portion +of Surrey, and the whole south-east side of Berkshire, as far as +Hungerford. On the Surrey side it included Chobham and Chertsey, and +extended along the side of the Wey, which marked its limits as far as +Guildford. In the reign of James the First, when it was surveyed by +Norden, its circuit was estimated at seventy-seven miles and a half, +exclusive of the liberties extending into Buckinghamshire. There were +fifteen walks within it, each under the charge of a head keeper, and the +whole contained upwards of three thousand head of deer. It is now almost +wholly enclosed. + + + + +V. + + The Last Great Epoch in the History of the Castle. + + +A prince of consummate taste and fine conceptions, George the Fourth +meditated, and, what is better, accomplished the restoration of the +castle to more than its original grandeur. He was singularly fortunate +in his architect. Sir Jeffry Wyatville was to him what William +of Wykeham had been to Edward the Third. All the incongruities of +successive reigns were removed: all, or nearly all, the injuries +inflicted by time repaired; and when the work so well commenced was +finished, the structure took its place as the noblest and most majestic +palatial residence in existence. + +To enter into a full detail of Wyatville's achievements is beyond the +scope of the present work; but a brief survey may be taken of them. +Never was lofty design more fully realised. View the castle on the +north, with its grand terrace of nearly a thousand feet in length, +and high embattled walls; its superb facade, comprehending the stately +Brunswick Tower; the Cornwall Tower, with its gorgeous window; George +the Fourth's Tower, including the great oriel window of the state +drawing-room; the restored Stuart buildings, and those of Henry the +Seventh and of Elizabeth; the renovated Norman Tower; the Powder Tower, +with the line of walls as far as the Winchester Tower;--view this, and +then turn to the east, and behold another front of marvellous beauty +extending more than four hundred feet from north to south, and +displaying the Prince of Wales's Tower, the Chester, Clarence, and +Victoria Towers--all of which have been raised above their former level, +and enriched by great projecting windows;--behold also the beautiful +sunken garden, with its fountain and orangery, its flights of steps, and +charming pentagonal terrace;--proceed to the south front, of which the +Victoria Tower, with its machicolated battlements and oriel window, +forms so superb a feature at the eastern corner, the magnificent gateway +receiving its name from George the Fourth, flanked by the York and +Lancaster Towers, and opening in a continued line from the Long Walk; +look at Saint George's Gate, Edward the Third's renovated tower, and the +octagon tower beyond it; look at all these, and if they fail to excite a +due appreciation of the genius that conceived them, gaze at the triumph +of the whole, and which lords over all the rest--the Round Tower--gaze +at it, and not here alone, but from the heights of the great park, +from the vistas of the home park, from the bowers of Eton, the meads +of Clewer and Datchet, from the Brocas, the gardens of the naval +knights--from a hundred points; view it at sunrise when the royal +standard is hoisted, or at sunset when it is lowered, near or at +a distance, and it will be admitted to be the work of a prodigious +architect! + +But Wyatville's alterations have not yet been fully considered. Pass +through Saint George's Gateway, and enter the grand quadrangle to which +it leads. Let your eye wander round it, beginning with the inner +sides of Edward the Third's Tower and George the Fourth's Gateway, +and proceeding to the beautiful private entrance to the sovereign's +apartments, the grand range of windows of the eastern corridor, the +proud towers of the gateway to the household, the tall pointed windows +of Saint George's Hall, the state entrance tower, with its noble +windows, until it finally rests upon the Stuart buildings and King +John's Tower, at the angle of the pile. + +Internally the alterations made by the architects have been of +corresponding splendour and importance. Around the south and east sides +of the court at which you are gazing, a spacious corridor has been +constructed, five hundred and fifty feet in length, and connected with +the different suites of apartments on these sides of the quadrangle; +extensive alterations have been made in the domestic offices; the state +apartments have been repaired and rearranged; Saint George's Hall +has been enlarged by the addition of the private chapel (the only +questionable change), and restored to the Gothic style; and the Waterloo +Chamber built to contain George the Fourth's munificent gift to the +nation of the splendid collection of portraits now occupying it. + +"The first and most remarkable characteristic of operations of Sir +Jeffry Wyatville on the exterior," observes Mr. Poynter, "is the +judgment with which he has preserved the castle of Edward the Third. +Some additions have been made to it, and with striking effect--as the +Brunswick Tower, and the western tower of George the Fourth's Gate-way +which so nobly terminates the approach from the great park. The more +modern buildings on the north side have also been assimilated to the +rest; but the architect has yielded to no temptation to substitute his +own design for that of William of Wykeham, and no small difficulties +have been combated and overcome for the sake of preserving the outline +of the edifice, and maintaining the towers in their original position." + +The Winchester Tower, originally inhabited by William of Wykeham, was +bestowed upon Sir Jeffry Wyatville as a residence by George the Fourth; +and, on the resignation of the distinguished architect, was continued to +him for life by the present queen. + +The works within the castle were continued during the reign of William +the Fourth, and at its close the actual cost of the buildings had +reached the sum of 771,000, pounds and it has been asserted that the +general expenditure up to the present time has exceeded a million and a +half of money. + +The view from the summit of the Round Tower is beyond description +magnificent, and commands twelve counties--namely, Middlesex, Essex, +Hertford, Berks, Bucks, Oxford, Wilts, Hants, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, +and Bedford; while on a clear day the dome of Saint Paul's may be +distinguished from it. This tower was raised thirty-three feet by Sir +Jeffry Wyatville, crowned with a machicolated battlement, and surmounted +with a flag-tower. + +The circumference of the castle is 4180 feet; the length from east to +west, 1480 feet; and the area, exclusive of the terraces, about twelve +acres. + +For the present the works are suspended. But it is to be hoped that the +design of Sir Jeffry Wyatville will be fully carried out in the lower +ward, by the removal of such houses on the north as would lay Saint +George's Chapel open to view from this side; by the demolition of the +old incongruous buildings lying westward of the bastion near the Hundred +Steps, by the opening out of the pointed roof of the library; the repair +and reconstruction in their original style of the Curfew, the Garter, +and the Salisbury Towers; and the erection of a lower terrace extending +outside the castle, from the bastion above mentioned to the point of +termination of the improvements, and accessible from the town; the +construction of which terrace would necessitate the removal of the +disfiguring and encroaching houses on the east side of Thames Street. +This accomplished, Crane's ugly buildings removed, and the three western +towers laid open to the court, the Horse-shoe Cloisters consistently +repaired, Windsor Castle would indeed be complete. And fervently do +we hope that this desirable event may be identified with the reign of +VICTORIA. + + +THUS ENDS THE THIRD BOOK OF THE CHRONICLE OF WINDSOR CASTLE + + + + + +BOOK IV. CARDINAL WOLSEY + + + + +I. + + Of the Interview between Henry and Catherine of Arragon in + the Urswick Chapel--And how it was interrupted. + + + +IT was now the joyous month of June; and where is June so joyous as +within the courts and halls of peerless Windsor? Where does the summer +sun shine so brightly as upon its stately gardens and broad terraces, +its matchless parks, its silver belting river and its circumference of +proud and regal towers? Nowhere in the world. At all seasons Windsor is +magnificent: whether, in winter, she looks upon her garnitures of woods +stripped of their foliage--her river covered with ice--or the wide +expanse of country around her sheeted with snow--or, in autumn, gazes +on the same scene--a world of golden-tinted leaves, brown meadows, or +glowing cornfields. But summer is her season of beauty--June is the +month when her woods are fullest and greenest; when her groves are +shadiest; her avenues most delicious; when her river sparkles like a +diamond zone; when town and village, mansion and cot, church and tower, +hill and vale, the distant capital itself--all within view--are seen to +the highest advantage. At such a season it is impossible to behold from +afar the heights of Windsor, crowned, like the Phrygian goddess, by +a castled diadem, and backed by lordly woods, and withhold a burst of +enthusiasm and delight. And it is equally impossible, at such a season, +to stand on the grand northern terrace, and gaze first at the proud +pile enshrining the sovereign mistress of the land, and then gaze on the +unequalled prospect spread out before it, embracing in its wide range +every kind of beauty that the country can boast, and not be struck +with the thought that the perfect and majestic castle--"In state +as wholesome as in state 'tis fit Worthy the owner, and the owner +it,"--together with the wide, and smiling, and populous district +around it, form an apt representation of the British sovereign and her +dominions. There stands the castle, dating back as far as the Conquest, +and boasting since its foundation a succession of royal inmates, while +at its foot lies a region of unequalled fertility and beauty-full of +happy homes, and loving, loyal hearts--a miniature of the old country +and its inhabitants. What though the smiling landscape may he darkened +by a passing cloud!--what though a momentary gloom may gather round +the august brow of the proud pile!--the cloud will speedily vanish, the +gloom disperse, and the bright and sunny scene look yet brighter and +sunnier from the contrast. + +It was the chance of the writer of these lines upon one occasion to +behold his sovereign under circumstances which he esteems singularly +fortunate. She was taking rapid exercise with the prince upon the south +side of the garden-terrace. All at once the royal pair paused at the +summit of the ascent leading from George the Fourth's gateway. The +prince disappeared along the eastern terrace, leaving the queen alone. +And there she stood, her slight, faultless figure sharply defined +against the clear sky. Nothing was wanting to complete the picture: the +great bay-windows of the Victoria Tower on the one hand--the balustrade +of the terrace on the other--the home park beyond. It was thrilling to +feel that that small, solitary figure comprehended all the might and +majesty of England--and a thousand kindling aspirations were awakened by +the thought. + +But it was, as has been said, the merry month of June, and Windsor +Castle looked down in all its magnificence upon the pomp of woods, and +upon the twelve fair and smiling counties lying within its ken. A joyous +stir was within its courts--the gleam of arms and the fluttering of +banners was seen upon its battlements and towers, and the ringing of +bells, the beating of drums, and the fanfares of trumpets, mingled with +the shouting of crowds and the discharge of ordnance. + +Amidst this tumult a grave procession issued from the deanery, and took +its way across the lower quadrangle, which was thronged with officers +and men-at-arms, in the direction of the lower gate. Just as it arrived +there a distant gun was heard, and an answering peal was instantly +fired from the culverins of the Curfew Tower, while a broad standard, +emblazoned with the arms of France and England within the garter, +and having for supporters the English lion crowned and the red dragon +sinister, was reared upon the keep. All these preparations betokened the +approach of the king, who was returning to the castle after six weeks' +absence. + +Though information of the king's visit to the castle had only preceded +him by a few hours, everything was ready for his reception, and the +greatest exertions were used to give splendour to it. + +In spite of his stubborn and tyrannical nature, Henry was a popular +monarch, and never showed himself before his subjects but he gained +their applauses; his love of pomp, his handsome person, and manly +deportment, always winning him homage from the multitude. But at +no period was he in a more critical position than the present. The +meditated divorce from Catherine of Arragon was a step which found no +sympathy from the better portion of his subjects, while the ill-assorted +union of Anne Boleyn, an avowed Lutheran, which it was known would +follow it, was equally objectionable. The seeds of discontent had been +widely sown in the capital; and tumults had occurred which, though +promptly checked, had nevertheless alarmed the king, coupled as +they were with the disapprobation of his ministers, the sneering +remonstrances of France, the menaces of the Papal See, and the open +hostilities of Spain. But the characteristic obstinacy of his nature +kept him firm to his point, and he resolved to carry it, be the +consequences what they might. + +All his efforts to win over Campeggio proved fruitless. The legate was +deaf to his menaces or promises, well knowing that to aid Anne Boleyn +would be to seriously affect the interests of the Church of Rome. + +The affair, however, so long and so artfully delayed, was now drawing to +a close. A court was appointed by the legates to be holden on the 18th +of June, at Blackfriars, to try the question. Gardiner had been recalled +from Rome to act as counsel for Henry; and the monarch, determining +to appear by proxy at the trial, left his palace at Bridewell the day +before it was to come on, and set out with Anne Boleyn and his chief +attendants for Windsor Castle. + +Whatever secret feelings might be entertained against him, Henry was +received by the inhabitants of Windsor with every demonstration of +loyalty and affection. Deafening shouts rent the air as he approached; +blessings and good wishes were showered upon him; and hundreds of caps +were flung into the air. But noticing that Anne Boleyn was received with +evil looks and in stern silence, and construing this into an affront to +himself, Henry not only made slight and haughty acknowledgment of the +welcome given him, but looked out for some pretext to manifest his +displeasure. Luckily none was afforded him, and he entered the castle in +a sullen mood. + +The day was spent in gentle exercise within the home park and on the +terrace, and the king affected the utmost gaiety and indifference; but +those acquainted with him could readily perceive he was ill at ease. +In the evening he remained for some time alone in his closet penning +despatches, and then summoning an attendant, ordered him to bring +Captain Bouchier into his presence. + +"Well, Bouchier," he said, as the officer made his appearance, "have you +obeyed my instructions in regard to Mabel Lyndwood?" + +"I have, my liege," replied Bouchier. "In obedience to your majesty's +commands, immediately after your arrival at the castle I rode to the +forester's hut, and ascertained that the damsel was still there." + +"And looking as beautiful as ever, I'll be sworn!" said the king. + +"It was the first time I had seen her, my liege," replied Bouchier; "but +I do not think she could have ever looked more beautiful." + +"I am well assured of it," replied Henry. "The pressure of affairs +during my absence from the castle had banished her image from my mind; +but now it returns as forcibly as before. And you have so arranged it +that she will be brought hither to-morrow night?" + +Bouchier replied in the affirmative. + +"It is well," pursued Henry; "but what more?--for you look as if you had +something further to declare." + +"Your majesty will not have forgotten how you exterminated the band of +Herne the Hunter?" said Bouchier. + +"Mother of Heaven, no!" cried the king, starting up; "I have not +forgotten it. What of them?--Ha! have they come to life again?--do they +scour the parks once more? That were indeed a marvel!" + +"What I have to relate is almost as great a marvel," returned Bouchier. +"I have not heard of the resurrection of the band though for aught I +know it may have occurred. But Herne has been seen again in the forest. +Several of the keepers have been scared by him--travellers have been +affrighted and plundered--and no one will now cross the great park after +nightfall." + +"Amazement!" cried Henry, again seating himself; "once let the divorce +be settled, and I will effectually check the career of this lawless and +mysterious being." + +"Pray heaven your majesty may be able to do so!" replied Bouchier. "But +I have always been of opinion that the only way to get rid of the +demon would be by the aid of the Church. He is unassailable by mortal +weapons." + +"It would almost seem so," said the king. "And yet I do not like to +yield to the notion." + +"I shrewdly suspect that old Tristram Lyndwood, the grandsire of the +damsel upon whom your majesty has deigned to cast your regards, is in +some way or other leagued with Herne," said Bouchier. "At all events, I +saw him with a tall hideous-looking personage, whose name I understand +to be Valentine Hagthorne, and who, I feel persuaded, must be one of the +remnants of the demon hunter's band." + +"Why did you not arrest him?" inquired Henry. + +"I did not like to do so without your majesty's authority," replied +Bouchier. "Besides, I could scarcely arrest Hagthorne without at the +same time securing the old forester, which might have alarmed the +damsel. But I am ready to execute your injunctions now." + +"Let a party of men go in search of Hagthorne to-night," replied Henry; +"and while Mabel is brought to the castle to-morrow, do you arrest old +Tristram, and keep him in custody till I have leisure to examine him." + +"It shall be done as you desire, my liege," replied Bouchier, bowing and +departing. + +Shortly after this Henry, accompanied by Anne Boleyn, proceeded with his +attendants to Saint George's Chapel, and heard vespers performed. Just +as he was about to return, an usher advanced towards him, and making +a profound reverence, said that a masked dame, whose habiliments +proclaimed her of the highest rank, craved a moment's audience of him. + +"Where is she?" demanded Henry. + +"In the north aisle, an't please your majesty," replied the usher, +"near the Urswick Chapel. I told her that this was not the place for an +audience of your majesty, nor the time; but she would not be said nay, +and therefore, at the risk of incurring your sovereign displeasure, I +have ventured to proffer her request." + +The usher omitted to state that his chief inducement to incur the risk +was a valuable ring, given him by the lady. + +"Well, I will go to her," said the king. "I pray you, excuse me for a +short space, fair mistress," he added to Anne Boleyn. + +And quitting the choir, he entered the northern aisle, and casting his +eyes down the line of noble columns by which it is flanked, and seeing +no one, he concluded that the lady must have retired into the Urswick +Chapel. And so it proved; for on reaching this exquisite little shrine +he perceived a tall masked dame within it, clad in robes of the richest +black velvet. As he entered the chapel, the lady advanced towards him, +and throwing herself on her knees, removed her mask--disclosing features +stamped with sorrow and suffering, but still retaining an expression of +the greatest dignity. They were those of Catherine of Arragon. + +Uttering an angry exclamation, Henry turned on his heel and would have +left her, but she clung to the skirts of his robe. + +"Hear me a moment, Henry--my king--my husband--one single moment--hear +me!" cried Catherine, in tones of such passionate anguish that he could +not resist the appeal. + +"Be brief, then, Kate," he rejoined, taking her hand to raise her. + +"Blessings on you for the word!" cried the queen, covering his hand with +kisses. "I am indeed your own true Kate--your faithful, loving, lawful +wife!" + +"Rise, madam!" cried Henry coldly; "this posture beseems not Catherine of +Arragon." + +"I obey you now as I have ever done," she replied, rising; "though if +I followed the prompting of my heart, I should not quit my knees till I +had gained my suit." + +"You have, done wrong in coming here, Catherine, at this juncture," said +Henry, "and may compel me to some harsh measure which I would willingly +have avoided." + +"No one knows I am here," replied the queen, "except two faithful +attendants, who are vowed to secrecy; and I shall depart as I came." + +"I am glad you have taken these precautions," replied Henry. "Now speak +freely, but again I must bid you be brief." + +"I will be as brief as I can," replied the queen; "but I pray you +bear with me, Henry, if I unhappily weary you. I am full of misery and +affliction, and never was daughter and wife of king wretched as I am. +Pity me, Henry--pity me! But that I restrain myself, I should pour forth +my soul in tears before you. Oh, Henry, after twenty years' duty and +to be brought to this unspeakable shame--to be cast from you with +dishonour--to be supplanted by another--it is terrible!" + +"If you have only come here to utter reproaches, madam, I must put an +end to the interview," said Henry, frowning. + +"I do not reproach you, Henry," replied Catherine meekly, "I only wish +to show you the depth and extent of my affection. I only implore you to +do me right and justice--not to bring shame upon me to cover your own +wrongful action. Have compassion upon the princess our daughter--spare +her, if you will not spare me!" + +"You sue in vain, Catherine," replied Henry. "I lament your condition, +but my eyes are fully opened to the sinful state in which I have so long +lived, and I am resolved to abandon it." + +"An unworthy prevarication," replied Catherine, "by which you seek to +work my ruin, and accomplish your union with Anne Boleyn. And you will +no doubt succeed; for what can I, a feeble woman, and a stranger in your +country, do to prevent it? You will succeed, I say--you will divorce me +and place her upon the throne. But mark my words, Henry, she will not +long remain there." + +The king smiled bitterly + +"She will bring dishonour upon you," pursued Catherine. "The woman who +has no regard for ties so sacred as those which bind us will not respect +other obligations." + +"No more of this!" cried Henry. "You suffer your resentment to carry you +too far." + +"Too far!" exclaimed Catherine. "Too far!--Is to warn you that you are +about to take a wanton to your bed--and that you will bitterly repent +your folly when too late, going too far? It is my duty, Henry, no less +than my desire, thus to warn you ere the irrevocable step be taken." + +"Have you said all you wish to say, madam?" demanded the king. + +"No, my dear liege, not a hundredth part of what my heart prompts me +to utter," replied Catherine. "I conjure you by my strong and tried +affection--by the tenderness that has for years subsisted between us--by +your hopes of temporal prosperity and spiritual welfare--by all you hold +dear and sacred--to pause while there is yet time. Let the legates meet +to-morrow--let them pronounce sentence against me and as surely as those +fatal words are uttered, my heart will break." + +"Tut, tut!" exclaimed Henry impatiently, "you will live many years in +happy retirement." + +"I will die as I have lived--a queen," replied Catherine; "but my +life will not be long. Now, answer me truly--if Anne Boleyn plays you +false--" + +"She never will play me false!" interrupted Henry. + +"I say if she does," pursued Catherine, "and you are satisfied of her +guilt, will you be content with divorcing her as you divorce me?" + +"No, by my father's head!" cried Henry fiercely. "If such a thing were +to happen, which I hold impossible, she should expiate her offence on +the scaffold." + +"Give me your hand on that," said Catherine. + +"I give you my hand upon it," he replied. + +"Enough," said the queen: "if I cannot have right and justice I shall at +least have vengeance, though it will come when I am in my tomb. But it +will come, and that is sufficient." + +"This is the frenzy of jealousy, Catherine," said Henry. + +"No, Henry; it is not jealousy," replied the queen, with dignity. "The +daughter of Ferdinand of Spain and Isabella of Castile, with the +best blood of Europe in her veins, would despise herself if she could +entertain so paltry a feeling towards one born so much beneath her as +Anne Boleyn." + +"As you will, madam," rejoined Henry. "It is time our interview +terminated." + +"Not yet, Henry--for the love of Heaven, not yet!" implored Catherine. +"Oh, bethink you by whom we were joined together!--by your father, Henry +the Seventh--one of the wisest princes that ever sat on a throne; and by +the sanction of my own father, Ferdinand the Fifth, one of the justest. +Would they have sanctioned the match if it had been unlawful? Were they +destitute of good counsellors? Were they indifferent to the future?" + +"You had better reserve these arguments for the legates' ears tomorrow, +madam," said Henry sternly. + +"I shall urge them there with all the force I can," replied Catherine, +"for I will leave nought untried to hinder an event so fraught with +misery. But I feel the struggle will be hopeless." + +"Then why make it?" rejoined Henry. + +"Because it is due to you--to myself--to the princess our daughter--to +our illustrious progenitors--and to our people, to make it," replied +Catherine. "I should be unworthy to be your consort if I acted +otherwise--and I will never, in thought, word, or deed, do aught +derogatory to that title. You may divorce me, but I will never assent to +it; you may wed Anne Boleyn, but she will never be your lawful spouse; +and you may cast me from your palace, but I will never go willingly." + +"I know you to be contumacious, madam," replied Henry. "And now, I pray +you, resume your mask, and withdraw. What I have said will convince you +that your stay is useless." + +"I perceive it," replied Catherine. "Farewell, Henry--farewell, loved +husband of my heart--farewell for ever!" + +"Your mask--your mask, madam!" cried Henry impatiently. "God's death! +footsteps are approaching. Lot no one enter here!" he cried aloud. + +"I will come in," said Anne Boleyn, stepping into the chapel just as +Catherine had replaced her mask. "Ah! your majesty looks confused. I +fear I have interrupted some amorous conference." + +"Come with me, Anne," said Henry, taking her arm, and trying to draw her +away--"come with me." + +"Not till I learn who your lady--love is," replied Anne pettishly. "You +affect to be jealous of me, my liege, but I have much more reason to be +jealous of you. When you were last at Windsor, I heard you paid a +secret visit to a fair maiden near the lake in the park, and now you are +holding an interview with a masked dame here. Nay, I care not for your +gestures of silence. I will speak." + +"You are distraught, sweetheart," cried the king. "Come away." + +"No," replied Anne. "Lot this dame be dismissed." + +"I shall not go at your bidding, minion!" cried Catherine fiercely. + +"Ah!" cried Anne, starting, "whom have we here?" + +"One you had better have avoided," whispered Henry. + +"The queen!" exclaimed Anne, with a look of dismay. + +"Ay, the queen!" echoed Catherine, unmasking. "Henry, if you have any +respect left for me, I pray you order this woman from my presence. Lot +me depart in peace." + +"Lady Anne, I pray you retire," said Henry. But Anne stood her ground +resolutely. + +"Nay, let her stay, then," said the queen; "and I promise you she shall +repent her rashness. And do you stay too, Henry, and regard well her +whom you are about to make your spouse. Question your sister +Mary, somewhile consort to Louis the Twelfth and now Duchess of +Suffolk--question her as to the character and conduct of Anne Boleyn +when she was her attendant at the court of France--ask whether she had +never to reprove her for levity--question the Lord Percy as to her love +for him--question Sir Thomas Wyat, and a host of others." + +"All these charges are false and calumnious!" cried Anne Boleyn. + +"Let the king inquire and judge for himself," rejoined Catherine; "and if +he weds you, let him look well to you, or you will make him a scoff to +all honourable men. And now, as you have come between him and me--as +you have divided husband and wife--for the intent, whether successful or +not, I denounce you before Heaven, and invoke its wrath upon your head. +Night and day I will pray that you may be brought to shame; and when I +shall be called hence, as I maybe soon, I will appear before the throne +of the Most High, and summon you to judgment." + +"Take me from her, Henry!" cried Anne faintly; "her violence affrights +me." + +"No, you shall stay," said Catherine, grasping her arm and detaining +her; "you shall hear your doom. You imagine your career will be a +brilliant one, and that you will be able to wield the sceptre you +wrongfully wrest from me; but it will moulder into dust in your +hand--the crown unjustly placed upon your brow will fall to the ground, +and it will bring the head with it." + +"Take me away, Henry, I implore you!" cried Anne. + +"You shall hear me out," pursued Catherine, exerting all her strength, +and maintaining her grasp, "or I will follow you down yon aisles, +and pour forth my malediction against you in the hearing of all your +attendants. You have braved me, and shall feel my power. Look at her, +Henry--see how she shrinks before the gaze of an injured woman. Look me +in the face, minion--you cannot!--you dare not!" + +"Oh, Henry!" sobbed Anne. + +"You have brought it upon yourself," said the king. + +"She has," replied Catherine; "and, unless she pauses and repents, she +will bring yet more upon her head. You suffer now, minion, but how will +you feel when, in your turn, you are despised, neglected, and supplanted +by a rival--when the false glitter of your charms having passed away, +Henry will see only your faults, and will open his eyes to all I now +tell him?" + +A sob was all the answer Anne could return. + +"You will feel as I feel towards you," pursued the queen--"hatred +towards her; but you will not have the consolations I enjoy. You will +have merited your fate, and you will then think upon me and my woes, and +will bitterly, but unavailingly, repent your conduct. And now, Henry," +she exclaimed, turning solemnly to him, "you have pledged your royal +word to me, and given me your hand upon it, that if you find this woman +false to you she shall expiate her offence on the block. I call upon you +to ratify the pledge in her presence." + +"I do so, Catherine," replied the king. "The mere suspicion of her guilt +shall be enough." + +"Henry!" exclaimed Anne. + +"I have said it," replied the king. + +"Tremble, then, Anne Boleyn!" cried Catherine, "tremble! and when you +are adjudged to die the death of an adulteress, bethink you of the +prediction of the queen you have injured. I may not live to witness your +fate, but we shall meet before the throne of an eternal Judge." + +"Oh, Henry, this is too much!" gasped Anne, and she sank fainting into +his arms. + +"Begone!" cried the king furiously. "You have killed her!" + +"It were well for us both if I had done so," replied Catherine. "But she +will recover to work my misery and her own. To your hands I commit her +punishment. May God bless you, Henry!" + +With this she replaced her mask, and quitted the chapel. + +Henry, meanwhile, anxious to avoid the comments of his attendants, +exerted himself to restore Anne Boleyn to sensibility, and his efforts +were speedily successful. + +"Is it then reality?" gasped Anne, as she gazed around. "I hoped it was +a hideous dream. Oh, Henry, this has been frightful! But you will not +kill me, as she predicted? Swear to me you will not!" + +"Why should you be alarmed?" rejoined the king. "If you are faithful, +you have nothing to fear." + +"But you said suspicion, Henry--you said suspicion!" cried Anne. + +"You must put the greater guard upon your conduct," rejoined the +king moodily. "I begin to think there is some truth in Catherine's +insinuations." + +"Oh no, I swear to you there is not," said Anne--"I have trifled +with the gallants of Francis's court, and have listened, perhaps too +complacently, to the love-vows of Percy and Wyat, but when your majesty +deigned to cast eyes upon me, all others vanished as the stars of +night before the rising of the god of day. Henry, I love you deeply, +devotedly--but Catherine's terrible imprecations make me feel more +keenly than I have ever done before the extent of the wrong I am about +to inflict upon her--and I fear that retributive punishment will follow +it." + +"You will do her no wrong," replied Henry. "I am satisfied of the +justice of the divorce, and of its necessity; and if my purposed union +with you were out of the question, I should demand it. Be the fault on +my head." + +"Your words restore me in some measure, my liege," said Anne. "I +love you too well not to risk body and soul for you. I am yours for +ever--ah!" she exclaimed, with a fearful look. + +"What ails you, sweetheart?" exclaimed the king. + +"I thought I saw a face at the window," she replied--"a black and +hideous face like that of a fiend." + +"It was mere fancy," replied the king. "Your mind is disturbed by what +has occurred. You had better join your attendants, and retire to your +own apartments." + +"Oh, Henry!" cried Anne--"do not judge me unheard--do not believe what +any false tongue may utter against me. I love only you and can love only +you. I would not wrong you, even in thought, for worlds." + +"I believe you, sweetheart," replied the king tenderly. + +So saying, he led her down the aisle to her attendants. They then +proceeded together to the royal lodgings, where Anne retired to her own +apartments, and Henry withdrew to his private chamber. + + + + +II. + + How Herne the Hunter appeared to Henry on the Terrace. + + +Henry again sat down to his despatches, and employed himself upon them +to a late hour. At length, feeling heated and oppressed, he arose, and +opened a window. As he did so, he was almost blinded by a vivid flash +of forked lightning. Ever ready to court danger, and convinced, from +the intense gloom without, that a fearful storm was coming on, Henry +resolved to go forth to witness it. With this view he quitted the +closet, and passed through a small door opening on the northern terrace. +The castle clock tolled the hour of midnight as he issued forth, and the +darkness was so profound that he could scarcely see a foot before him. +But he went on. + +"Who goes there?" cried a voice, as he advanced, and a partisan was +placed at his breast. + +"The king!" replied Henry, in tones that would have left no doubt of +the truth of the assertion, even if a gleam of lightning had not at the +moment revealed his figure and countenance to the sentinel. + +"I did not look for your majesty at such a time," replied the man, +lowering his pike. "Has your majesty no apprehension of the storm? I +have watched it gathering in the valley, and it will be a dreadful one. +If I might make bold to counsel you, I would advise you to seek instant +shelter in the castle." + +"I have no fear, good fellow," laughed the king. "Get thee in yon porch, +and leave the terrace to me. I will warn thee when I leave it." + +As he spoke a tremendous peal of thunder broke overhead, and seemed to +shake the strong pile to its foundations. Again the lightning rent +the black canopy of heaven in various places, and shot down in forked +flashes of the most dazzling brightness. A rack of clouds, heavily +charged with electric fluid, hung right over the castle, and poured down +all their fires upon it. + +Henry paced slowly to and fro, utterly indifferent to the peril he +ran--now watching the lightning as it shivered some oak in the home +park, or lighted up the wide expanse of country around him--now +listening to the roar of heaven's artillery; and he had just quitted the +western extremity of the terrace, when the most terrific crash he had +yet heard burst over him. The next instant a dozen forked flashes shot +from the sky, while fiery coruscations blazed athwart it; and at the +same moment a bolt struck the Wykeham Tower, beside which he had been +recently standing. Startled by the appalling sound, he turned and beheld +upon the battlemented parapet on his left a tall ghostly figure, whose +antlered helm told him it was Herne the Hunter. Dilated against the +flaming sky, the proportions of the demon seemed gigantic. His right +hand was stretched forth towards the king, and in his left he held a +rusty chain. Henry grasped the handle of his sword, and partly drew it, +keeping his gaze fixed upon the figure. + +"You thought you had got rid of me, Harry of England," cried Herne, "but +were you to lay the weight of this vast fabric upon me, I would break +from under it--ho! ho!" + +"What wouldst thou, infernal spirit?" cried Henry. + +"I am come to keep company with you, Harry," replied the demon; "this is +a night when only you and I should be abroad. We know how to enjoy +it. We like the music of the loud thunder, and the dance of the blithe +lightning." + +"Avaunt, fiend!" cried Henry. "I will hold no converse with thee. Back +to thy native hell!" + +"You have no power over me, Harry," rejoined the demon, his words +mingling with the rolling of the thunder, "for your thoughts are evil, +and you are about to do an accursed deed. You cannot dismiss me. Before +the commission of every great crime--and many great crimes you will +commit--I will always appear to you. And my last appearance shall he +three days before your end--ha! ha!" + +"Darest thou say this to me!" cried Henry furiously. + +"I laugh at thy menaces," rejoined Herne, amid another peal of +thunder--"but I have not yet done. Harry of England! your career shall +be stained in blood. Your wrath shall descend upon the heads of those +who love you, and your love shall be fatal. Better Anne Boleyn fled +this castle, and sought shelter in the lowliest hovel in the land, than +become your spouse. For you will slay her--and not her alone. Another +shall fall by your hand; and so, if you had your own will, would all!" + +"What meanest thou by all?" demanded the king. + +"You will learn in due season," laughed the fiend. "But now mark me, +Harry of England, thou fierce and bloody kin--thou shalt be drunken with +the blood of thy wives; and thy end shall be a fearful one. Thou shalt +linger out a living death--a mass of breathing corruption shalt thou +become--and when dead the very hounds with which thou huntedst me shall +lick thy blood!" + +These awful words, involving a fearful prophecy, which was afterwards, +as will be shown, strangely fulfilled, were so mixed up with the rolling +of the thunder that Henry could scarcely distinguish one sound from the +other. At the close of the latter speech a flash of lightning of such +dazzling brilliancy shot down past him, that he remained for some +moments almost blinded; and when he recovered his powers of vision the +demon had vanished. + + + + +III. + + How Mabel Lyndwood was taken to the Castle by Nicholas + Clamp--And how they encountered Morgan Fenwolf by the way. + + +THE storm which had fallen so heavily on the castle had likewise visited +the lake, and alarmed the inmates of the little dwelling on its banks. +Both the forester and his grand-daughter were roused from their beds, +and they sat together in the chief apartment of the cottage, listening +to the awful rolling of the thunder, and watching the blue flashing of +the lightning. The storm was of unusually long duration, and continued +for more than an hour with unintermitted violence. It then paused; the +thunder rolled off, and the flashes of lightning grew fainter and less +frequent. During the storm Mabel continued on her knees, addressing the +most earnest prayers to the Virgin for her preservation and that of +her grandfather; but the old forester, though evidently much alarmed, +uttered not a single supplication, but remained sitting in his chair +with a sullen, scared look. As the thunder died away, he recovered +his composure, and addressed himself to soothe the fears of his +granddaughter. In this he had partially succeeded, and was urging her +again to seek her couch, when the storm recommenced with fresh fury. +Mabel once more fell on her knees, and the old man resumed his sullen +posture. Another dreadful half-hour, marked by a succession of terrible +peals and vivid flashes, succeeded, when, amidst an awful pause, Mabel +ventured to address her old relative. + +"Why do you not pray, grandfather?" she said, regarding him uneasily. +"Sister Anastasia and good Father Anselm always taught me to utter +an Ave and cross myself during a thunderstorm. Why do you not pray, +grandfather?" + +"Do not trouble me. I have no fear." + +"But your cheeks and lips are blanched," rejoined Mabel; "and I observed +you shudder during that last awful crash. Pray, grandfather, pray!" + +"Peace, wench, and mind your own business!" returned the old man +angrily. "The storm will soon be over--it cannot last long in this way." + +"The saints preserve us!" cried Mabel, as a tremendous concussion was +heard overhead, followed by a strong sulphureous smell. "The cottage is +struck!" + +"It is--it is!" cried Tristram, springing to his feet and rushing forth. + +For a few minutes Mabel continued in a state of stupefaction. She then +staggered to the door, and beheld her grandfather occupied with two dark +figures, whom she recognised as Valentine Hagthorne and Morgan Fenwolf, +in extinguishing the flames, which were bursting from the thatched roof +of the hut. Surprise and terror held her silent, and the others were so +busily engaged that they did not notice her. + +At last, by their united efforts, the fire was got under without +material damage to the little building, and Mabel retired, expecting her +grandsire to return; but as he did not do so, and as almost instantly +afterwards the plash of oars was heard en the lake, she flew to the +window, and beheld him, by the gleam of the lightning, seated in the +skiff with Morgan Fenwolf, while Valentine Hagthorne had mounted a black +horse, and was galloping swiftly away. Mabel saw no more. Overcome by +fright, she sank on the ground insensible. When she recovered the storm +had entirely ceased. A heavy shower had fallen, but the sky was now +perfectly clear, and day had begun to dawn. Mabel went to the door of +the hut, and looked forth for her grandfather, but he was nowhere to +be seen. She remained gazing at the now peaceful lake till the sun had +fairly risen, when, feeling more composed, she retired to rest, and +sleep, which had been banished from them during the greater part of the +night, now fell upon her lovely eyelids. + +When she awoke, the day was far advanced, but still old Tristram had not +returned; and with a heavy heart she set about her household concerns. +The thought, however, of her anticipated visit to the castle speedily +dispelled her anxiety, and she began to make preparations for setting +out, attiring herself with unusual care. Bouchier had not experienced +much difficulty in persuading her to obey the king's behest, and by his +artful representations he had likewise induced her grandfather to give +his consent to the visit--the old forester only stipulating that she +should be escorted there and back by a falconer, named Nicholas Clamp, +in whom he could put trust; to which proposition Bouchier readily +assented. + +At length five o'clock, the appointed hour, arrived, and with it came +Nicholas Clamp. He was a tall, middle-aged man, with yellow hair, +clipped closely over his brows, and a beard and moustaches to match. +His attire resembled that of a keeper of the forest, and consisted of +a doublet and hose of green cloth; but he did not carry a bugle or +hunting-knife. His sole weapon was a stout quarter-staff. After some +little hesitation Mabel consented to accompany the falconer, and they +set forth together. + +The evening was delightful, and their way through the woods was marked +by numberless points of beauty. Mabel said little, for her thoughts +were running upon her grandfather, and upon his prolonged and mysterious +absence; but the falconer talked of the damage done by the thunderstorm, +which he declared was the most awful he had ever witnessed; and he +pointed out to her several trees struck by the lightning. Proceeding in +this way, they gained a road leading from Blacknest, when, from behind +a large oak, the trunk of which had concealed him from view, Morgan +Fenwolf started forth, and planted himself in their path. The gear +of the proscribed keeper was wild and ragged, his locks matted and +disordered, his demeanour savage, and his whole appearance forbidding +and alarming. + +"I have been waiting for you for some time, Mabel Lyndwood," he said. +"You must go with me to your grandfather." + +"My grandfather would never send you for me," replied Mabel; "but if he +did, I will not trust myself with you." + +"The saints preserve us!" cried Nicholas Clamp. "Can I believe my +eyes!--do I behold Morgan Fenwolf!" + +"Come with me, Mabel," cried Fenwolf, disregarding him. + +But she returned a peremptory refusal. + +"She shall not stir an inch!" cried the falconer. "It is thou, Morgan +Fenwolf, who must go with me. Thou art a proscribed felon, and thy life +is forfeit to the king. Yield thee, dog, as my prisoner!" + +"Thy prisoner!" echoed Fenwolf scornfully. "It would take three such as +thou art to make me captive! Mabel Lyndwood, in your grandfather's name, +I command you to come with me, and let Nick Clamp look to himself if he +dares to hinder you." + +"Nick will do something more than hinder her," rejoined the falconer, +brandishing his staff, and rushing upon the other. "Felon hound! I +command thee to yield!" + +Before the falconer could reach him, Morgan Fenwolf plucked a long +hunting-knife from his girdle, and made a desperate stab at his +assailant. But Clamp avoided the blow, and striking Fenwolf on the +shins, immediately afterwards closed with him. + +The result was still doubtful, when the struggle was suddenly +interrupted by the trampling of horse approaching from the side of +Windsor; and at the sound Morgan Fenwolf disengaged himself from his +antagonist and plunged into the adjoining wood. The next moment Captain +Bouchier rode up, followed by a small band of halberdiers, and receiving +information from the falconer of what had occurred, darted with his +men into the wood in search of the fugitive. Nicholas Clamp and his +companion did not await the issue of the search, but proceeded on their +way. + +As they walked at a brisk pace, they reached the long avenue in about +half-an-hour, and took their way down it. When within a mile of the +castle they were overtaken by Bouchier and his followers, and the +falconer was much disappointed to learn that they had failed in tracking +Morgan Fenwolf to his lair. After addressing a few complimentary words +to the maiden, Bouchier rode on. + +Soon after this the pair quitted the great park, and passing through a +row of straggling houses, divided by gardens and closes, which skirted +the foot of Castle Hill, presently reached the lower gate. They were +admitted without difficulty; but just as they entered the lower ward +the falconer was hailed by Shoreditch and Paddington, who at the moment +issued from the doorway of the guard-room. + +Clamp obeyed the call and went towards them, and it was evident, from +the gestures of the archers, that they were making inquiries about +Mabel, whose appearance seemed to interest them greatly. After a brief +conversation with the falconer they approached her, and, respectfully +addressing her, begged leave to attend her to the royal lodgings, +whither they understood she was going. No objection being made to the +proposal by Mabel, the party directed their course towards the middle +ward. + +Passing through the gateway of the Norman Tower, they stopped before a +low portal in a picturesque Gothic wing of the castle, with projecting +walls and bay-windows, which had been erected in the preceding reign of +Henry the Seventh, and was consequently still in all its freshness and +beauty. + + + + +IV. + + How Mabel was received by the Party in the Kitchen--And of + the Quarrel between the two Jesters. + + +Addressing himself to a stout-built yeoman of the guard, who was +standing within the doorway, Nicholas Clamp demanded admittance to the +kitchen, and the man having detained them for a few moments, during +which he regarded Mabel with a very offensive stare, ushered them into +a small hall, and from thence into a narrow passage connected with it. +Lighted by narrow loopholes pierced through the walls, which were of +immense thickness, this passage described the outer side of the whole +upper quadrangle, and communicated with many other lateral passages and +winding stairs leading to the chambers allotted to the household or +to the state apartments. Tracking it for some time, Nicholas Clamp at +length turned off on the right, and, crossing a sort of ante-room, led +the way into a large chamber with stone walls and a coved and groined +roof, lighted by a great window at the lower end. This was the royal +kitchen, and in it yawned no fewer than seven huge arched fireplaces, +in which fires were burning, and before which various goodly joints were +being roasted, while a number of cooks and scullions were congregated +round them. At a large table in the centre of the kitchen were seated +some half-dozen yeomen of the guard, together with the clerk of the +kitchen, the chief bargeman, and the royal cutler, or bladesmith, as he +was termed. + +These worthies were doing ample justice to a chine of beef, a wild-boar +pie, a couple of fat capons, a peacock pasty, a mess of pickled +lobsters, and other excellent and inviting dishes with which the board +was loaded. Neither did they neglect to wash down the viands with +copious draughts of ale and mead from great pots and flagons placed +beside them. Behind this party stood Giovanni Joungevello, an Italian +minstrel, much in favour with Anne Boleyn, and Domingo Lamellino, or +Lamelyn--as he was familiarly termed--a Lombard, who pretended to some +knowledge of chirurgery, astrology, and alchemy, and who was a constant +attendant on Henry. At the head of the bench, on the right of the table, +sat Will Sommers. The jester was not partaking of the repast, but was +chatting with Simon Quanden, the chief cook, a good-humoured personage, +round-bellied as a tun, and blessed with a spouse, yclept Deborah, as +fond of good cheer, as fat, and as good-humoured as himself. Behind +the cook stood the cellarman, known by the appellation of Jack of the +Bottles, and at his feet were two playful little turnspits, with long +backs, and short forelegs, as crooked almost as sickles. + +On seeing Mabel, Will Sommers immediately arose, and advancing towards +her with a mincing step, bowed with an air of mock ceremony, and said in +an affected tone, "Welcome, fair mistress, to the king's kitchen. We are +all right glad to see you; are we not, mates?" + +"Ay, that we are!" replied a chorus of voices. + +"By my troth, the wench is wondrously beautiful!" said Kit Coo, one of +the yeomen of the guard. + +"No wonder the king is smitten with her," said Launcelot Rutter, the +bladesmith; "her eyes shine like a dagger's point." + +"And she carries herself like a wafter on the river," said the bargeman. + +"Her complexion is as good as if I had given her some of my sovereign +balsam of beauty," said Domingo Lamelyn. + +"Much better," observed Joungevello, the minstrel; "I shall write a +canzonet in her praise, and sing it before the king." + +"And get flouted for thy pains by the Lady Anne," said Kit Coo. + +"The damsel is not so comely as I expected to find her," observed Amice +Lovekyn, one of the serving-women, to Hector Cutbeard, the clerk of the +kitchen. + +"Why, if you come to that, she is not to be compared to you, pretty +Amice," said Cutbeard, who was a red-nosed, red-faced fellow, with a +twinkling merry eye. + +"Nay, I meant not that," replied Amice, retreating. + +"Excuse my getting up to receive you, fair mistress," cried Simon +Quanden, who seemed fixed to his chair; "I have been bustling about +all day, and am sore fatigued--sore fatigued. But will you not take +something? A sugared cate, and a glass of hypocras jelly, or a slice of +capon? Go to the damsel, dame, and prevail on her to eat." + +"That will I," replied Deborah. "What shall it be, sweetheart? We have a +well-stored larder here. You have only to ask and have." + +"I thank you, but I am in want of nothing," replied Mabel. + +"Nay, that is against all rule, sweetheart," said Deborah; "no one enters +the king's kitchen without tasting his royal cheer." + +"I am sorry I must prove an exception, then," returned Mabel, smiling; +"for I have no appetite." + +"Well, well, I will not force you to eat against your will," replied the +good dame "But a cup of wine will do you good after your walk." + +"I will wait upon her," said the Duke of Shoreditch.' who vied with +Paddington and Nick Clamp in attention to the damsel. + +"Let me pray you to cast your eyes upon these two dogs, fair Mabel," +said Will Sommers, pointing to the two turn-spits, "they are special +favourites of the king's highness. They are much attached to the cook, +their master; but their chief love is towards each other, and nothing +can keep them apart." + +"Will Sommers speaks the truth," rejoined Simon Quanden. "Hob and Nob, +for so they are named, are fast friends. When Hob gets into the box to +turn the spit, Nob will watch beside it till his brother is tired, and +then he will take his place. They always eat out of the same platter, +and drink out of the same cup. I once separated them for a few hours to +see what would happen, but they howled so piteously, that I was forced +to bring them together again. It would have done your heart good to +witness their meeting, and to see how they leaped and rolled with +delight. Here, Hob," he added, taking a cake from his apron pocket, +"divide this with thy brother." + +Placing his paws upon his master's knees, the nearest turnspit took the +cake in his mouth, and proceeding towards Nob, broke it into two pieces, +and pushed the larger portion towards him. + +While Mabel was admiring this display of sagacity and affection a +bustling step was heard behind her, and turning, she beheld a strange +figure in a parti-coloured gown and hose, with a fool's cap and bells +on his head, whom she immediately recognised as the cardinal's jester, +Patch. The new-comer recognised her too, stared in astonishment, and +gave a leering look at Will Sommers. + +"What brings you here, gossip Patch?" cried Will Sommers. "I thought you +were in attendance upon your master, at the court at Blackfriars." + +"So I have been," replied Patch, "and I am only just arrived with his +grace." + +"What! is the decision pronounced?" cried Will Sommers eagerly. "Is the +queen divorced? Is the king single again? Let us hear the sentence." + +"Ay, the sentence!--the sentence!" resounded on all hands. + +Stimulated by curiosity, the whole of the party rose from the table; +Simon Quanden got out of his chair; the other cooks left their joints to +scorch at the fire; the scullions suspended their work; and Hob and Nob +fixed their large inquiring black eyes upon the jester. + +"I never talk thirsting," said Patch, marching to the table, and filling +himself a flagon of mead. "Here's to you, fair maiden," he added, +kissing the cup to Mabel, and swallowing its contents at a draught. "And +now be seated, my masters, and you shall hear all I have to relate, and +it will be told in a few words. The court is adjourned for three days, +Queen Catherine having demanded that time to prepare her allegations, +and the delay has been granted her." + +"Pest on it!--the delay is some trick of your crafty and double-dealing +master," cried Will Sommers. "Were I the king, I know how I would deal +with him." + +"What wouldst thou do, thou scurril knave?" cried Patch angrily. + +"I would strip him of his ill-gotten wealth, and leave him only thee--a +fitting attendant--of all his thousand servitors," replied Will. + +"This shall to his grace's ears," screamed Patch, amid the laughter of +the company--"and see whether your back does not smart for it." + +"I fear him not," replied Will Sommers. "I have not yet told the king my +master of the rare wine we found in his cellar." + +"What wine was that, Will?" cried Jack of the Bottles. + +"You shall hear," replied Will Sommers, enjoying the disconcerted +look of the other jester. "I was at the palace at Hampton, when this +scant-witted knave invited me to taste some of his master's wine, and +accordingly to the cellar we went. 'This wine will surprise you,' quoth +he, as we broached the first hogshead. And truly it did surprise me, for +no wine followed the gimlet. So we went on to another, and another, +and another, till we tried half a score of them, and all with the same +result. Upon this I seized a hammer which was lying by and sounded +the casks, but none of them seeming empty, I at last broke the lid of +one--and what do you think it contained?" + +A variety of responses were returned by the laughing assemblage, during +which Patch sought to impose silence upon his opponent. But Will Sommers +was not to be checked. + +"It contained neither vinegar, nor oil, nor lead," he said, "but gold; +ay, solid bars of gold-ingots. Every hogshead was worth ten thousand +pounds, and more." + +"Credit him not, my masters," cried Patch, amid the roars of the +company; "the whole is a mere fable--an invention. His grace has no such +treasure. The truth is, Will Sommers got drunk upon some choice Malmsey, +and then dreamed he had been broaching casks of gold." + +"It is no fable, as you and your master will find when the king comes +to sift the matter," replied Will. "This will be a richer result to +him than was ever produced by your alchemical experiments, good Signor +Domingo Lamelyn." + +"It is false!--I say false!" screamed Patch, "let the cellars be +searched, and I will stake my head nothing is found." + +"Stake thy cap, and there may be some meaning in it," said Will, +plucking Patch's cap from his head and elevating it on his truncheon. +"Here is an emblem of the Cardinal of York," he cried, pointing to it. + +A roar of laughter from the company followed this sally, and Hob and Nob +looked up in placid wonderment. + +"I shall die with laughing," cried Simon Quanden, holding his fat sides, +and addressing his spouse, who was leaning upon his shoulder. + +In the meantime Patch sprang to his feet, and, gesticulating with rage +and fury, cried, "Thou hast done well to steal my cap and bells, for +they belong of right to thee. Add my folly to thy own, and thou wilt +be a fitting servant to thy master; or e'en give him the cap, and then +there will be a pair of ye." + +"Who is the fool now, I should like to know?" rejoined Will Sommers +gravely. "I call you all to witness that he has spoken treason." + +While this was passing Shoreditch had advanced with a flagon of Malmsey +to Mabel, but she was so interested in the quarrel between the two +jesters that she heeded him not; neither did she attend to Nicholas +Clamp, who was trying to explain to her what was going forward. But just +as Patch's indiscreet speech was uttered an usher entered the kitchen +and announced the approach of the king. + + + + +V. + + Of the Combat between Will Sommers and Patch--And how it + terminated. + + +Mabel's heart fluttered violently at the usher's announcement, and for +a moment the colour deserted her cheek, while the next instant she was +covered with blushes. As to poor Patch, feeling that his indiscretion +might place him in great jeopardy and seriously affect his master, to +whom he was devotedly attached, he cast a piteous and imploring look at +his antagonist, but was answered only by a derisive laugh, coupled +with an expressive gesture to intimate that a halter would be his fate. +Fearful that mischief might ensue, the good-natured Simon Quanden got +out of his chair and earnestly besought Will not to carry matters too +far; but the jester remained implacable. + +It was not unusual with Henry to visit the different offices of the +castle and converse freely and familiarly with the members of his +household, but it was by no means safe to trust to the continuance of +his good humour, or in the slightest degree to presume upon it. It is +well known that his taste for variety of character often led him, like +the renowned Caliph Haroun Al Raschid, to mix with the lower classes of +his subjects in disguise, at which times many extraordinary adventures +are said to have befallen him. His present visit to the kitchen, +therefore, would have occasioned no surprise to its occupants if it +had not occurred so soon after the cardinal's arrival. But it was this +circumstance, in fact, that sent him thither. The intelligence brought +by Wolsey of the adjournment of the court for three days, under the plea +of giving the queen time for her allegations, was so unlooked for by +Henry that he quitted the cardinal in high displeasure, and was about to +repair to Anne Boleyn, when he encountered Bouchier, who told him +that Mabel Lyndwood had been brought to the castle, and her grandsire +arrested. The information changed Henry's intentions at once, and he +proceeded with Bouchier and some other attendants to the kitchen, where +he was given to understand he should find the damsel. + +Many a furtive glance was thrown at the king, for no one dared openly +to regard him as he approached the forester's fair granddaughter. But +he tarried only a moment beside her, chucked her under the chin, and, +whispering a word or two in her ear that heightened her blushes, passed +on to the spot where the two jesters were standing. + +"What dost thou here, knave?" he said to Will Sommers. + +"I might rather ask that question of your majesty," replied Will; "and I +would do so but that I require not to be told." + +"I have come to see what passeth in my household," replied the king, +throwing himself into the chair lately occupied by the chief cook. "Ah, +Hob and Nob, my merry rascals," he cried, patting the turnspits, who ran +towards him and thrust their noses against his hand, "ye are as gamesome +and loving as ever, I see. Give me a manchet for them, Master Cook, +and let not the proceedings in the kitchen be stayed for my presence. I +would not have my supper delayed, or the roasts spoiled, for any false +ceremony. And now, Will, what hast thou to say that thou lookest so hard +at me?" + +"I have a heavy charge to bring against this knave, an' please your +majesty," replied Will Sommers, pointing to Patch. + +"What! hath he retorted upon thee too sharply?" replied the king, +laughing. "If so, challenge him to the combat, and settle the grievance +with thy lathen dagger. But refer not the matter to me. I am no judge in +fools' quarrels." + +"Your own excepted," muttered Will. "This is not a quarrel that can be +so adjusted," he added aloud. "I charge this rascal Patch with speaking +disrespectfully of your highness in the hearing of the whole kitchen. +And I also charge his master the cardinal with having secreted in his +cellars at Hampton a vast amount of treasure, obtained by extortion, +privy dealings with foreign powers, and other iniquitous practices, and +which ought of right to find its way to your royal exchequer." + +"'And which shall find its way thither, if thou dost not avouch a +fable," replied the king. + +"Your majesty shall judge," rejoined Will. And he repeated the story +which he had just before related. + +"Can this be true?" exclaimed Henry at its close. + +"It is false, your highness, every word of it," cried Patch, throwing +himself at the king's feet, "except so far as relates to our visits to +the cellar, where, I shame to speak it, we drank so much that our senses +clean forsook us. As to my indiscreet speech touching your majesty, +neither disrespect nor disloyalty were intended by it. I was goaded to +the rejoinder by the sharp sting of this hornet." + +"The matter of the treasure shall be inquired into without delay," said +Henry. "As to the quarrel, it shall be settled thus. Get both of you +upon that table. A flour-bag shall be given to each; and he who is first +knocked off shall be held vanquished." + +The king's judgment was received with as much applause as dared be +exhibited by the hearers; and in an instant the board was cleared, and a +couple of flour-bags partly filled delivered to the combatants by Simon +Quanden, who bestirred himself with unwonted activity on the occasion. + +Leaping upon the table, amid the smothered mirth of the assemblage, +the two jesters placed themselves opposite each other, and grinned such +comical defiance that the king roared with laughter. After a variety of +odd movements and feints on either side, Patch tried to bring down his +adversary by a tremendous two-handed blow; but in dealing it, the weight +of the hag dragged him forward, and well-nigh pitched him head foremost +upon the floor. As it was, he fell on his face upon the table, and in +this position received several heavy blows upon the prominent part of +his back from Will Sommers. Ere long, however, he managed to regain his +legs, and, smarting with pain, attacked his opponent furiously in +his turn. For a short space fortune seemed to favour him. His bag +had slightly burst, and the flour, showering from it with every blow, +well-nigh blinded his adversary, whom he drove to the very edge of the +table. At this critical juncture Will managed to bring down his bag full +upon his opponent's sconce, and the force of the blow bursting it, Patch +was covered from crown to foot with flour, and blinded in his turn. The +appearance of the combatants was now so exquisitely ridiculous, that the +king leaned back in his chair to indulge his laughter, and the mirth of +the spectators could no longer be kept within decorous limits. The very +turnspits barked in laughing concert. + +"Well fought on both sides!" cried Henry; "it were hard to say which +will prove the victor. Now, knaves, to it again--ha! ha!--to it again!" + +Once more the bags were wielded, descended, and the blows were so well +directed on either side, that both combatants fell backwards. Again the +king's laughter rose loud and long. Again the merriment of the other +beholders was redoubled. Again Hob and Nob barked joyously, and tried +to spring on to the table to take part in the conflict. Amid the general +glee, the combatants rose and renewed the fight, dealing blows thick +and fast--for the bags were now considerably lightened of their +contents--until they were completely hidden from view by a cloud of +white dust. + +"We cannot see the fray," remarked Henry; "but we can hear the din of +battle. Which will prove the victor, I marvel?" + +"I am for Will Sommers," cried Bouchier. + +"And I for Patch," said Simon Quanden. "Latterly he hath seemed to me to +have the advantage." + +"It is decided!" cried the king, rising, as one of the combatants was +knocked off the table, and fell to the floor with a great noise. "Who is +it?" + +"Patch," replied a faint voice. And through the cloud of dust struggled +forth the forlorn figure of the cardinal's jester, while Will Sommers +leaped triumphantly to the ground. + +"Get thee to a wash-tub, knave, and cleanse thyself," said Henry, +laughing. "In consideration of the punishment thou hast undergone, I +pardon thee thy treasonable speech." + +So saying, he rose, and walked towards Mabel, who had been quite as much +alarmed as amused by the scene which had just taken place. + +"I hope you have been as well cared for, damsel," he said, "since your +arrival at the castle, as you cared for the Duke of Suffolk and myself +when we visited your cottage? + +"I have had everything I require, my liege," replied Mabel timidly. + +"Dame Quanden will take charge of you till to-morrow," rejoined the +king, "when you will enter upon the service of one of our dames." + +"Your majesty is very considerate," said Mabel, "but I would rather go +back at early dawn to my grandsire." + +"That is needless," rejoined the king sternly. "Your grandsire is in the +castle." + +"I am glad to hear it!" exclaimed Mabel. And then, altering her tone, for +she did not like the expression of the king's countenance, she added, "I +hope he has not incurred your majesty's displeasure." + +"I trust he will be able to clear himself, Mabel," said Henry, "but he +labours under the grave suspicion of leaguing with lawless men." + +Mabel shuddered, for the thought of what she had witnessed on the +previous night during the storm rushed forcibly to her recollection. The +king noticed her uneasiness, and added, in a gentler tone, "If he makes +such confession as will bring the others to justice, he has nothing to +fear. Dame Quanden, I commit this maiden to your charge. To-morrow she +will take her place as attendant to the Lady Elizabeth Fitzgerald." + +So saying, he moved off with Bouchier and the rest of his attendants, +leaving Mabel to the care of the cook's good humoured spouse, who seeing +her eyes filled with tears, strove to cheer her, and led her towards a +small side-table, where she pressed wine and cates upon her. + +"Be of good cheer, sweetheart," she said, in a soothing tone; "no harm +will befall your grandfather. You are much too high in favour with the +king for that." + +"I liked the king much better as I saw him at our cottage, good dame," +replied Mabel, smiling through her tears, "in the guise of a Guildford +merchant. He seemed scarcely to notice me just now." + +"That was because so many eyes were upon you, sweet-heart," replied +Deborah; "but sooth to say, I should be better pleased if he did not +notice you at all." + +Mabel blushed, and hung her head. + +"I am glad you are to be an attendant on the Lady Fitzgerald," pursued +Deborah, "for she is the fairest young lady at court, and as good and +gentle as she is fair, and I am sure you will find her a kind mistress. +I will tell you something about her. She is beloved by the king's son, +the Duke of Richmond, but she requites not his passion, for her heart +is fixed on the youthful Earl of Surrey. Alack-a-day! the noble rivals +quarrelled and crossed swords about her; but as luck would have it, they +were separated before any mischief was done. The king was very wroth +with Lord Surrey, and ordered him to be imprisoned for two months in the +Round Tower, in this castle, where he is now, though his term has very +nearly expired." + +"How I pity him, to be thus harshly treated!" remarked Mabel, her eyes +swimming with tears, "and the Lady Elizabeth too! I shall delight to +serve her." + +"I am told the earl passes the whole of his time in poring over books +and writing love-verses and sonnets," said Deborah. "It seems strange +that one so young should be a poet; but I suppose he caught the art from +his friend Sir Thomas Wyat." + +"Is he a friend of Sir Thomas Wyat?" asked Mabel quickly. + +"His close friend," replied Deborah; "except the Duke of Richmond, +now his rival, he had none closer. Have you ever seen Sir Thomas, +sweetheart?" + +"Yes, for a few moments," replied Mabel confusedly. + +"I heard that he lingered for a short time in the forest before his +departure for Paris," said Dame Quanden. "There was a strange rumour +that he had joined the band of Herne the Hunter. But that must have been +untrue." + +"Is he returned from France?" inquired Mabel, without heeding the +remark. + +"I fancy not," replied the good dame. "At all events, he is not come to +the castle. Know you not," she added, in a low confidential tone, "that +the king is jealous of him? He was a former suitor to the Lady Anne +Boleyn, and desperately in love with her; and it is supposed that his +mission to France was only a pretext to get him out of the way." + +"I suspected as much," replied Mabel. "Alas! for Sir Thomas; and alas! +for the Earl of Surrey." + +"And alas! for Mabel Lyndwood, if she allows her heart to be fixed upon +the king," said Deborah. + +While this was passing the business of the kitchen, which had been +interrupted by the various incidents above related, and especially by +the conflict between the two jesters, was hurried forward, and for some +time all was bustle and confusion. + +But as soon as the supper was served, and all his duties were fully +discharged, Simon Quanden, who had been bustling about, sat down in his +easy-chair, and recruited himself with a toast and a sack posset. Hob +and Nob had their supper at the same time, and the party at the table, +which had been increased by the two archers and Nicholas Clamp, attacked +with renewed vigour a fresh supply of mead and ale, which had been +provided for them by Jack of the Bottles. + +The conversation then turned upon Herne the Hunter; and as all had heard +more or less about him, and some had seen him, while few knew the legend +connected with him, Hector Cutbeard volunteered to relate it; upon which +all the party gathered closer together, and Mabel and Deborah left off +talking, and drew near to listen. + + + + +VI. + + The Legend of Herne the Hunter. + + +"Nearly a century and a half ago," commenced Cutbeard, about the middle +of the reign of Richard the Second, there was among the keepers of the +forest a young man named Herne. He was expert beyond his fellows in all +matters of woodcraft, and consequently in great favour with the king, +who was himself devoted to the chase. Whenever he stayed at the castle, +King Richard, like our own royal Harry, would pass his time in hunting, +hawking, or shooting with the long-bow; and on all these occasions the +young keeper was his constant attendant. If a hart was to be chased, +Herne and his two black hounds of Saint Hubert's breed would hunt him +down with marvellous speed; if a wild boar was to be reared, a badger +digged out, a fox unkennelled, a marten bayed, or an otter vented, Herne +was chosen for the task. No one could fly a falcon so well as Herne--no +one could break up a deer so quickly or so skilfully as him. But in +proportion as he grew in favour with the king, the young keeper was +hated by his comrades, and they concerted together how to ruin him. +All their efforts, however, were ineffectual, and rather tended to his +advantage than injury. + +"One day it chanced that the king hunted in the forest with his +favourite, the Earl of Oxford, when a great deer of head was +unharboured, and a tremendous chase ensued, the hart leading his +pursuers within a few miles of Hungerford, whither the borders of the +forest then extended. All the followers of the king, even the Earl of +Oxford, had by this time dropped off, and the royal huntsman was only +attended by Herne, who kept close behind him. At last the hart, driven +to desperation, stood at bay, and gored the king's horse as he came up +in such a manner that it reared and threw its rider. Another instant, +and the horns of the infuriated animal would have been plunged into the +body of the king, if Herne had not flung himself between the prostrate +monarch and his assailant, and received the stroke intended for him. +Though desperately wounded, the young hunter contrived slightly to raise +himself, and plunged his knife into the hart's throat, while the king +regained his feet. + +"Gazing with the utmost concern at his unfortunate deliverer, King +Richard demanded what he could do for him. + +"'Nothing, sire--nothing,' replied Herne, with a groan. I shall require +nothing but a grave from you, for I have received a wound that will +speedily bring me to it.' + +"'Not so, I trust, good fellow,' replied the king, in a tone meant to +be encouraging, though his looks showed that his heart misgave him; 'my +best leech shall attend you.' + +"'No skill will avail me now,' replied Herne sadly. 'A hurt from hart's +horn bringeth to the bier.' + +"'I hope the proverb will not be justified in thy case,' rejoined the +king; 'and I promise thee, if thou dost recover, thou shalt have the +post of head keeper of the forest, with twenty nobles a year for wages. +If, unhappily, thy forebodings are realised, I will give the same sum to +be laid out in masses for thy soul.' + +"'I humbly thank your highness,' replied the young man, 'and I accept +the latter offer, seeing it is the only one likely to profit me.' + +"With this he put his horn to his lips, and winding the dead mot feebly, +fell back senseless. Much moved, the king rode off for succour; and +blowing a lusty call on his bugle, was presently joined by the Earl +of Oxford and some of his followers, among whom were the keepers. The +latter were secretly rejoiced on hearing what had befallen Herne, but +they feigned the greatest affliction, and hastened with the king to the +spot where the body was lying stretched out beside that of the hart. + +"'It is almost a pity his soul cannot pass away thus,' said King +Richard, gazing compassionately at him, 'for he will only revive to +anguish and speedy death.'" + +"'Your highness is right,' replied the chief keeper, a grim old +man named Osmond Crooke, kneeling beside him, and half drawing his +hunting-knife; 'it were better to put him out of his misery.' + +"'What! slay the man who has just saved my own life!' cried the king. +'I will consent to no such infamous deed. I would give a large reward to +any one who could cure him.' + +"As the words were uttered, a tall dark man, in a strange garb, +and mounted on a black wild-looking steed, whom no one had hitherto +observed, sprang to the ground and advanced towards the king. + +"'I take your offer, sire,' said this personage, in a harsh voice. I +will cure him.' + +"'Who art thou, fellow?' demanded King Richard doubtfully. + +"'I am a forester,' replied the tall man, 'but I understand somewhat of +chirurgery and leechcraft.' + +"'And woodcraft, too, I'll be sworn, fellow,' said the king 'Thou hast, +or I am mistaken, made free with some of my venison.' + +"'He looks marvellously like Arnold Sheafe, who was outlawed for +deer-stealing,' said Osmond Crooke, regarding him steadfastly. + +"'I am no outlaw, neither am I called Arnold Sheafe,' replied the other. +'My name is Philip Urswick, and I can render a good account of myself +when it shall please the king's highness to interrogate me. I dwell on +the heath near Bagshot, which you passed today in the chase, and where I +joined you.' + +"'I noted you not,' said Osmond. + +"'Nor I--nor I!' cried the other keepers. + +"'That may be; but I saw you,' rejoined Urswick contemptuously; 'and I +tell you there is not one among you to be compared with the brave hunter +who lies there. You have all pronounced his case hopeless. I repeat I +can cure him if the king will make it worth my while.' + +"'Make good thy words, fellow,' replied the king; 'and thou shalt not +only be amply rewarded, but shalt have a free pardon for any offence +thou mayest have committed.' + +"'Enough,' replied Urswick. And taking a large, keen-edged hunting-knife +from his girdle, he cut off the head of the hart close to the point +where the neck joins the skull, and then laid it open from the extremity +of the under-lip to the nuke. 'This must be bound on the head of the +wounded man,' he said. + +"The keepers stared in astonishment. But the king commanded that the +strange order should be obeyed. Upon which the bleeding skull was +fastened upon the head of the keeper with leathern thongs. + +"'I will now answer for his perfect cure in a month's time,' said +Urswick to the king; 'but I shall require to watch over him myself till +all danger is at an end. I pray your highness to command these keepers +to transport him to my hut.' + +"'You hear what he says, knaves?' cried the king; 'do his bidding, and +carefully, or ye shall answer to me with your lives.' + +"Accordingly a litter was formed with branches of trees, and on this the +body of Herne, with the hart's head still bound to it, was conveyed by +the keepers to Urswick's hut, a small dwelling, situated in the wildest +part of Bagshot Heath. After placing the body upon a bed of dried fern, +the keepers were about to depart, when Osmond Crooke observed to the +forester, 'I am now certain thou art Arnold Sheafe.' + +"'It matters not who I am, since I have the king's pardon,' replied the +other, laughing disdainfully. + +"'Thou hast yet to earn it,' said Osmond. + +"'Leave that to me,' replied Urswick. 'There is more fear that thou wilt +lose thy post as chief keeper, which the king has promised to Herne, +than that I shall fail.' + +"'Would the deer had killed him outright!' growled Osmond. + +"And the savage wish was echoed by the other keepers. "'I see you all +hate him bitterly,' said Urswick. 'What will you give me for revenge?' + +"'We have little to give, save a fat buck on occasions,'replied Osmond; +'and, in all likelihood, thou canst help thyself to venison.' + +"'Will you swear to grant the first request I may make of you--provided +it shall be in your power?' demanded Urswick. + +"'Readily' they replied. + +"'Enough' said Urswick. 'I must keep faith with the king. Herne will +recover, but he will lose all his skill as an archer, all his craft as a +hunter.' + +"'If thou canst accomplish this thou art the fiend himself' cried +Osmond, trembling. + +"'Fiend or not,' replied Urswick, with a triumphant laugh, 'ye have made +a compact with me, and must fulfil it. Now begone. I must attend to the +wounded man.' + +"And the keepers, full of secret misgiving, departed. + +"At the precise time promised, Herne, attended by Urswick, presented +himself to the king. He looked thin and pale, but all danger was past. +King Richard gave the forester a purse full of nobles, and added a +silver bugle to the gift. He then appointed Herne his chief keeper, +hung a chain of gold round his neck, and ordered him to be lodged in the +castle. + +"About a week after this, Herne, having entirely regained his strength, +accompanied the king on a hunting expedition to the forest, and they +had scarcely entered it when his horse started and threw him. Up to +that moment such an accident had never happened to him, for he was an +excellent horseman, and he arose greatly discomfited, while the keepers +eyed each other askance. Soon after this a buck was started, and though +Herne was bravely mounted on a black steed bestowed on him on account of +its swiftness by the king, he was the last in the chase. + +"'Thou art out of practice,' said the king, laughing, as he came up. + +"'I know not what ails me,' replied Herne gloomily. + +"'It cannot be thy steed's fault,' said the king, 'for he is usually as +fleet as the wind. But I will give thee an opportunity of gaining credit +in another way. Thou seest yon buck. He cannot be seventy yards off, and +I have seen thee hit the mark at twice the distance. Bring him down.' + +"Herne raised his crossbow, and let fly the bolt; but it missed its +mark, and the buck, startled by the noise, dashed down the brake wholly +uninjured. + +"King Richard's brow grew dark, and Herne uttered an exclamation of rage +and despair. + +"'Thou shalt have a third and yet easier trial,' said the king. Old +Osmond Crooke shall lend thee his bow, and thy quarry shall be yon +magot-pie.' + +"As he spoke, the arrow sped. But it quivered in the trunk of the tree, +some yards from the bird. The unfortunate shooter looked distracted; +but King Richard made no remark, until, towards the close of the day, +he said to him, 'Thou must regain thy craft, friend Herne, or I cannot +continue thee as my chief keeper.' + +"The keepers congratulated each other in secret, for they felt that +their malice was about to be gratified. + +"The next day Herne went forth, as he thought, alone, but he was watched +by his enemies. Not a shaft would go true, and he found that he had +completely lost his mastery over hound and horse. The day after that he +again rode forth to hunt with the king, and his failures made him the +laughing-stock of the party. Richard at length dismissed him with these +words, 'Take repose for a week, and then thou shalt have a further +trial. If thou dost not then succeed, I must perforce discharge thee +from thy post.' + +"Instead of returning to the castle, Herne rode off wildly into the +forest, where he remained till eventide. He then returned with ghastly +looks and a strange appearance, having the links of a rusty chain which +he had plucked from a gibbet hanging from his left arm, and the hart's +antlered skull, which he had procured from Urswick, fixed like a helm +upon his head. His whole demeanour showed that he was crazed; and his +condition, which might have moved the compassion of his foes, only +provoked their laughter. After committing the wildest extravagances, he +burst from all restraint, and disappeared among the trees of the home +park. + +"An hour after this a pedlar, who was crossing the park from Datchet, +found him suspended by a rope from a branch of the oak-tree which you +have all seen, and which bears his name. Despair had driven him to the +dreadful deed. Instead of cutting him down, the pedlar ran to the castle +to relate what he had witnessed; and the keepers, satisfied that their +revenge was now fully accomplished, hastened with him to the tree. But +the body was gone; and all that proclaimed it had been there, was the +rope hanging from the branch. Search was everywhere made for the missing +body, but without effect. When the matter was related to the king he was +much troubled, and would fain have had masses said for the repose of the +soul of the unfortunate keeper, but the priests refused to perform them, +alleging that he had 'committed self-destruction, and was therefore out +of the pale of the Church. + +"On that night, a terrible thunderstorm occurred--as terrible, it may +be, as that of last night--and during its continuance, the oak on which +Herne had hanged himself was blasted by the lightning. + +"Old Osmond was immediately reinstated in his post of chief keeper; but +he had little time for rejoicing, for he found that the same spell that +had bound Herne had fallen upon him. His bolts and arrows went wide of +their mark, his hounds lost their scent, and his falcon would not be +lured back. Half frantic, and afraid of exposing himself to the taunts +of his companions, he feigned illness, and left his comrade, Roger +Barfoot, to take his place. But the same ill-luck befell Barfoot, and +he returned in woeful plight, without a single head of game. Four others +were equally unfortunate, and it was now clear that the whole party were +bewitched. + +"Luckily, the king had quitted the castle, but they felt certain they +should be dismissed on his return, if not more severely punished. At +last, after taking counsel together, they resolved to consult Urswick, +who they doubted not could remove the spell. Accordingly, they went to +Bagshot Heath, and related their story to him. When they had done, he +said, 'The curse of Herne's blood is upon you, and can only be removed +in one way. As you return to the castle, go to the tree on which he +destroyed himself, and you may learn how to act.' + +"The keepers would have questioned him further, but he refused to +answer, and dismissed them. + +"The shades of evening had fallen as they quitted Bagshot; and it was +midnight as they entered the home park, and proceeded towards the fatal +oak. It was pitchy dark, and they could only distinguish the tree by +its white, scathed trunk. All at once, a blue flame, like a +will-o'-the-wisp, appeared, flitted thrice round the tree, and then +remained stationary, its light falling upon a figure in a wild garb, +with a rusty chain hanging from its left arm, and an antlered helm upon +its head. They knew it to be Herne, and instantly fell down before him, +while a burst of terrible laughter sounded in their ears. + +"Without heeding them further, the spirit darted round the tree, +rattling its chain, and uttering appalling imprecations. It then +stopped, and turning to the terrified beholders, bade them, in a hollow +voice, bring hounds and horses as for the chase on the following night +and vanished. + +"Filled with dread, the keepers returned home, and the next day Old +Osmond again sought the forester, and told him what had occurred. + +"'You must obey the spirit's injunctions, or worse mischief will befall +you,' said Urswick. 'Go to the tree, mounted as for a hunting-party, +and take the black steed given to Herne by the king, and the two black +hounds with you. You will see what will ensue.' And without another word +he dismissed him. + +"Osmond told his comrades what the forester had said, and though they +were filled with alarm, they resolved upon compliance. At midnight, +therefore, they rode towards the tree with the black hounds in leash, +and leading Herne's favourite horse, saddled and bridled. As they drew +near, they again saw the terrible shape stalking round the tree, and +heard the fearful imprecations. + +"His spells ended, Herne called to Osmond to bring him his steed; and +the old man tremblingly obeyed. In an instant the mysterious being +vaulted on its back, and in a voice of resistless authority cried, 'To +the forest!--to the forest!' With this, he dashed forward, and the whole +party, hounds and men, hurried after him. + +"They rode at a furious pace for five or six miles over the great park, +the keepers wondering where their unearthly leader was taking them, and +almost fancying they were hurrying to perdition, when they descended +a hillside leading to the marsh, and halted before a huge beech-tree, +where Herne dismounted and pronounced certain mystic words, accompanying +them with strange gestures. + +"Presently, he became silent and motionless. A flash of fire then burst +from the roots of the tree, and the forester Urswick stood before him. +But his aspect was more terrible and commanding than it had seemed +heretofore to the keepers. + +"'Welcome, Herne,' he cried; 'welcome, lord of the forest. And you his +comrades, and soon to be his followers, welcome too. The time is come +for the fulfilment of your promise to me. I require you to form a band +for Herne the Hunter, and to serve him as leader. Swear to obey him, and +the spell that hangs over you shall be broken. If not, I leave you to +the king's justice.' + +"Not daring to refuse compliance, the keepers took the oath +proposed--and a fearful one it was! As soon as it was Urswick vanished, +as he came, in a flash of fire. Herne, then commanded the others to +dismount, and made them prostrate themselves before him, and pay him +homage. + +"This done, he blew a strike on his horn, rode swiftly up the hillside, +and a stag being unharboured, the chase commenced. Many a fat buck was +hunted and slaughtered that night; and an hour before daybreak, Herne +commanded them to lay the four finest and fattest at the foot of the +beech-tree, and then dismissed them, bidding them meet him at midnight +at the scathed oak in the home park. + +"They came as they were commanded; but fearful of detection, they +adopted strange disguises, not unlike those worn by the caitiffs who +were put to death, a few weeks ago, by the king in the great park. +Night after night they thus went forth, thinning the herds of deer, +and committing other outrages and depredations. Nor were their dark +proceedings altogether unnoticed. Belated travellers crossing the forest +beheld them, and related what they had seen; others watched for them, +but they were so effectually disguised that they escaped detection. + +"At last, however, the king returned to the castle, and accounts of the +strange doings in the forest were instantly brought to him. Astonished +at what he heard, and determined to ascertain the truth of the +statement, he ordered the keepers to attend him that night in an +expedition to the forest, when he hoped to encounter the demon huntsman +and his hand. Much alarmed, Osmond Crooke, who acted as spokesman, +endeavoured, by representing the risk he would incur, to dissuade the +king from the enterprise; but he would not be deterred, and they now +gave themselves up for lost. + +"As the castle clock tolled forth the hour of midnight, Richard, +accompanied by a numerous guard, and attended by the keepers, issued +from the gates, and rode towards the scathed oak. As they drew near the +tree, the figure of Herne, mounted on his black steed, was discerned +beneath it. Deep fear fell upon all the beholders, but chiefly upon the +guilty keepers, at the sight. The king, however, pressed forward, and +cried, 'Why does thou disturb the quietude of night, accursed spirit?' + +"Because I desire vengeance!' replied Herne, in a hollow voice. 'I +was brought to my present woeful condition by Osmond Crooke and his +comrades.' + +"'But you died by your own hand,--did you not?' demanded King Richard. + +"'Yea,' replied Herne; 'but I was driven to the deed by an infernal +spell laid upon me by the malice of the wretches I have denounced. Hang +them upon this tree, and I will trouble these woods no longer whilst +thou reignest!' + +"The king looked round at the keepers. They all remained obdurate, +except Roger Barfoot, who, falling on his knees, confessed his guilt, +and accused the others. + +"It is enough,' cried the king to Herne; 'they shall all suffer for +their offence.' + +"Upon this a flash of fire enveloped the spirit and his horse, and he +vanished. + +"The king kept his word. Osmond and his comrades were all hanged upon +the scathed tree, nor was Herne seen again in the forest while +Richard sat upon the throne. But he reappeared with a new band at the +commencement of the rule of Henry the Fourth, and again hunted the deer +at night. His band was destroyed, but he defied all attempts at capture; +and so it has continued to our own time, for not one of the seven +monarchs who have held the castle since Richard's day have been able to +drive him from the forest." + +"Nor will the present monarch be able to drive him thence," said a deep +voice. "As long as Windsor Forest endures, Herne the Hunter will haunt +it." + +All turned at the exclamation and saw that it proceeded from a tall dark +man, in an archer's garb, standing behind Simon Quanden's chair. + +"Thou hast told thy legend fairly enough, good clerk of the kitchen," +continued this personage; "but thou art wrong on many material points." + +"I have related the story as it was related to me," said Cutbeard +somewhat nettled at the remark; "but perhaps you will set me right where +I have erred." + +"It is true that Herne was a keeper in the reign of Richard the Second," +replied the tall archer. "It is true also that he was expert in all +matters of woodcraft, and that he was in high favour with the king; but +he was bewitched by a lovely damsel, and not by a weird forester. He +carried off a nun and dwelt with her in a cave in the forest where he +assembled his brother keepers, and treated them to the king's venison +and the king's wine. + +"A sacreligious villain and a reprobate!" exclaimed Launcelot Rutter. + +"His mistress was fair enough, I will warrant her," said Kit Coo. + +"She was the very image of this damsel," rejoined the tall archer, +pointing to Mabel, "and fair enough to work his ruin, for it was through +her that the fiend tempted him. The charms that proved his undoing were +fatal to her also, for in a fit of jealousy he slew her. The remorse +occasioned by this deed made him destroy himself." + +"Well, your version of the legend may be the correct one, for aught I +know, worthy sir," said Cutbeard; "but I see not that it accounts for +Herne's antlers so well as mine, unless he were wedded to the nun, who +you say played him false. But how came you to know she resembled Mabel +Lyndwood?" + +"Ay, I was thinking of that myself," said Simon Quanden. "How do you +know that, master?" + +"Because I have seen her picture," replied the tall archer. + +"Painted by Satan's chief limner, I suppose?" rejoined Cutbeard. + +"He who painted it had seen her," replied the tall archer sternly. "But, +as I have said, it was the very image of this damsel." + +And as he uttered the words, he quitted the kitchen. + +"Who is that archer?" demanded Cutbeard, looking after him. But no one +could answer the question, nor could any one tell when he had entered +the kitchen. + +"Strange!" exclaimed Simon Quanden, crossing himself. "Have you ever +seen him before, Mabel?" + +"I almost think I have," she replied, with a slight shudder. + +"I half suspect he is Herne himself," whispered the Duke of Shoreditch +to Paddington. + +"It may be," responded the other; "his glance made my blood run cold." + +"You look somewhat fatigued, sweetheart," said Deborah, observing +Mabel's uneasiness. "Come with me and I will show you to a chamber." + +Glad to escape Mabel followed the good dame out of the kitchen, and they +ascended a winding staircase which brought them to a commodious chamber +in the upper part of Henry the Seventh's buildings, where Deborah sat +down with her young charge and volunteered a great deal of good advice +to her, which the other listened to with becoming attention, and +promised to profit by it. + + + + +VII. + + Of the Mysterious Noise heard in the Curfew Tower. + + +On quitting the kitchen, Henry, having been informed by Bouchier that +Tristram Lyndwood was lodged in the prison-chamber in the lower gateway, +proceeded thither to question him. He found the old man seated on a +bench, with his hands tied behind him; but though evidently much alarmed +at his situation, he could not be brought either by threats or proffers +to make any confession. + +Out of patience, at length, the king ordered him to be conveyed to +the dungeon beneath the Curfew Tower, and personally superintended his +removal. + +"I will find a means of shaking his obstinacy," said Henry, as he +quitted the vault with Bouchier. "If I cannot move him by other means, +I may through his granddaughter I will interrogate him in her presence +to-night." + +"To-night, sire!" exclaimed Bouchier. + +"Ay, to-night," repeated the king. "I am resolved, even if it should +cost the life of this maiden, whose charms have moved me so, to break +the infernal machinery woven around me. And now as I think it not +unlikely the miscreant Herne may attempt the prisoner's deliverance, +let the strictest watch be kept over the tower. Station an arquebusier +throughout the night at the door of the dungeon, and another at the +entrance to the chamber on the ground floor. Your own post must be on +the roof of the fortification, that you may watch if any attempt is made +to scale it from the town side, or to get in through the loopholes. +Keep a sharp lookout Bouchier, for I shall hold you responsible if any +mischance occurs." + +"I will do my best, my liege," replied Bouchier; "and were it with a +mortal foe I had to contend, I should have no fear. But what vigilance +can avail against a fiend?" + +"You have heard my injunctions, and will attend to them," rejoined the +king harshly. "I shall return anon to the examination." + +So saying, he departed. + +Brave as a lion on ordinary occasions, Bouchier entered upon his present +duty with reluctance and misgiving; and he found the arquebusiers by +whom he was attended, albeit stout soldiers, equally uneasy. Herne had +now become an object of general dread throughout the castle; and the +possibility of an encounter with him was enough to daunt the boldest +breast. Disguising his alarm, Bouchier issued his directions in an +authoritative tone, and then mounted with three arquebusiers to the +summit of the tower. It was now dark, but the moon soon arose, and her +beams rendered every object as distinguishable as daylight would have +done, so that watch was easily kept. But nothing occurred to occasion +alarm, until all at once, a noise like that of a hammer stricken against +a board, was heard in the chamber below. + +Drawing his sword, Bouchier hurried down the steps leading into this +chamber, which was buried in darkness, and advanced so precipitately +and incautiously into the gloom, that he struck his head against a +crossbeam. The violence of the blow stunned him for a moment, but as +soon as he recovered, he called to the guard in the lower chamber to +bring up a torch. The order was promptly obeyed; but, meanwhile, the +sound had ceased, and, though they searched about, they could not +discover the occasion of it. + +This, however, was not so wonderful for the singular construction of the +chamber, with its numerous crossbeams, its deep embrasures and recesses, +its insecure and uneven floor, its steep ladder-like staircases, was +highly favourable to concealment, it being utterly impossible, owing +to the intersections of the beams, for the searchers to see far before +them, or to move about quickly. In the midst of the chamber was a large +wooden compartment enclosing the cumbrous and uncouth machinery of the +castle clock, and through the box ran the cord communicating with the +belfry above. At that time, pieces of ordnance were mounted in all +the embrasures, but there is now only one gun, placed in a porthole +commanding Thames Street, and the long thoroughfare leading to Eton. The +view from this porthole of the groves of Eton, and of the lovely +plains on the north-west, watered by the river, is enchanting beyond +description. + +Viewed from a recess which has been partly closed, the appearance of +this chamber is equally picturesque and singular; and it is scarcely +possible to pass beneath its huge beams or to gaze at the fantastic yet +striking combinations they form in connection with the deep embrasures, +the steep staircases and trap-doors, and not feel that the whole place +belongs to romance, and that a multitude of strange and startling +stories must be connected with it. The old architects were indeed great +romancers, and built for the painter and the poet. + +Bouchier and his companion crept about under the great meshwork of +beams-peered into all the embrasures, and beneath the carriages of +the culverins. There was a heap of planks and beams lying on the floor +between the two staircases, but no one was near it. + +The result of their investigations did not tend to decrease their alarm. +Bouchier would fain have had the man keep watch in the chamber, but +neither threats nor entreaties could induce him to remain there. He +was therefore sent below, and the captain returned to the roof. He had +scarcely emerged upon the leads when the hammering recommenced more +violently than before. In vain Bouchier ordered his men to go down. No +one would stir; and superstitious fear had by this time obtained such +mastery over the captain, that he hesitated to descend alone. To add to +his vexation, the arquebusier had taken the torch with him, so that he +should have to proceed in darkness. + +At length he mustered up courage to make the attempt; but he paused +between each step, peering through the gloom, and half fancying he could +discern the figure of Herne near the spot where the pile of wood lay. +Certain it was that the sound of diabolical laughter, mingled with the +rattling of the chain and the sharp blows of the hammer, smote his +ears. The laughter became yet louder as Bouchier advanced, the hammering +ceased, and the clanking of the chain showed that its mysterious wearer +was approaching the foot of the steps to meet him. But the captain +had not nerve enough for the encounter. Invoking the protection of the +saints, he beat a precipitate retreat, and closed the little door at the +head of the steps after him. + +The demon was apparently satisfied with the alarm he had occasioned, for +the hammering was not renewed at that time. + + + + +VIII. + + Showing the Vacillations of the King between Wolsey and Anne + Boleyn. + + +Before returning to the state apartments, Henry took a turn on the +ramparts on the north side of the castle, between the Curfew Tower +and the Winchester Tower, and lingered for a short time on the bastion +commanding that part of the acclivity where the approach, called the +Hundred Steps, is now contrived. Here he cautioned the sentinels to be +doubly vigilant throughout the night, and having gazed for a moment at +the placid stream flowing at the foot of the castle, and tinged with the +last rays of the setting sun, he proceeded to the royal lodgings, and +entered the banquet chamber, where supper was already served. + +Wolsey sat on his right hand, but he did not vouchsafe him a single +word, addressing the whole of his discourse to the Duke of Suffolk, who +was placed on his left. As soon as the repast was over, he retired to +his closet. But the cardinal would not be so repulsed, and sent one of +his gentlemen to crave a moment's audience of the king, which with some +reluctance was accorded. + +"Well, cardinal," cried Henry, as Wolsey presented himself, and the +usher withdrew. "You are playing a deep game with me, as you think; but +take heed, for I see through it." "I pray you dismiss these suspicions +from your mind, my liege," said Wolsey. "No servant was ever more +faithful to his master than I have been to you." + +"No servant ever took better care of himself," cried the king fiercely. +"Not alone have you wronged me to enrich yourself, but you are ever +intriguing with my enemies. I have nourished in my breast a viper; but I +will cast you off--will crush you as I would the noxious reptile." + +And he stamped upon the floor, as if he could have trampled the cardinal +beneath his foot. + +"Beseech you calm yourself, my liege," replied Wolsey, in the soft and +deprecatory tone which he had seldom known to fail with the king. "I +have never thought of my own aggrandisement, but as it was likely to +advance your power. For the countless benefits I have received at your +hands, my soul overflows with gratitude. You have raised me from the +meanest condition to the highest. You have made me your confidant, your +adviser, your treasurer, and with no improper boldness I say it, your +friend. But I defy the enemies who have poisoned your ears against me, +to prove that I have ever abused the trust placed in me. The sole fault +that can be imputed to me is, that I have meddled more with temporal +matters than with spiritual, and it is a crime for which I must answer +before Heaven. But I have so acted because I felt that I might thereby +best serve your highness. If I have aspired to the papal throne--which +you well know I have--it has been that I might be yet a more powerful +friend to your majesty, and render you what you are entitled to be, the +first prince in Christendom." + +"Tut, tut!" exclaimed the king, who was, nevertheless, moved by the +artful appeal. + +"The gifts I have received from foreign princes," pursued Wolsey, seeing +the effect he had produced, "the wealth I have amassed, have all been +with a view of benefiting your majesty." "Humph!" exclaimed the king. + +"To prove that I speak the truth, sire," continued the wily cardinal, +"the palace at Hampton Court, which I have just completed--" + +"And at a cost more lavish than I myself should have expended on it," +interrupted the king angrily. + +"If I had destined it for myself, I should not have spent a tithe of +what I have done," rejoined Wolsey. "Your highness's unjust accusations +force me to declare my intentions somewhat prematurely. Deign," he +cried, throwing at the king's feet, "deign to accept that palace and all +within it. You were pleased, during your late residence there, to express +your approval of it. And I trust it will find equal favour in your eyes, +now that it is your own." + +"By holy Mary, a royal gift!" cried Henry. "Rise, You are not the +grasping, selfish person you have been represented." + +"Declare as much to my enemies, sire, and I shall be more content. You +will find the palace better worth acceptance than at first sight might +appear." + +"How so?" cried the king. + +"Your highness will be pleased to take this key," said the cardinal; "it +is the key of the cellar." + +"You have some choice wine there," cried Henry significantly; "given you +by some religious house, or sent you by some foreign potentate, ha!" + +"It is wine that a king might prize," replied the cardinal. "Your +majesty will find a hundred hogsheads in that cellar, and each hogshead +filled with gold." + +"You amaze me!" cried the king, feigning astonishment. "And all this you +freely give me?" + +"Freely and fully, sire," replied Wolsey. "Nay, I have saved it for you. +Men think I have cared for myself, whereas I have cared only for your +majesty. Oh! my dear liege, by the devotion I have just approved to you, +and which I would also approve, if needful, with my life, I beseech you +to consider well before you raise Anne Boleyn to the throne. In giving +you this counsel, I know I hazard the favour I have just regained. But +even at that hazard, I must offer it. Your infatuation blinds you to +the terrible consequences of the step. The union is odious to all your +subjects, but most of all to those not tainted with the new heresies and +opinions. It will never be forgiven by the Emperor Charles the Fifth, +who will seek to avenge the indignity offered to his illustrious +relative; while Francis will gladly make it a pretext for breaking his +truce with you. Add to this the displeasure of the Apostolic See, and it +must be apparent that, powerful as you are, your position will be one of +infinite peril." + +"Thus far advanced, I cannot honourably abandon the divorce," said +Henry. + +"Nor do I advise its abandonment, sire," replied Wolsey; "but do not let +it be a means of injuring you with all men. Do not let a mal-alliance +place your very throne in jeopardy; as, with your own subjects and all +foreign powers against you, must necessarily be the case." + +"You speak warmly, cardinal," said Henry. + +"My zeal prompts me to do so," replied Wolsey. "Anne Boleyn is in no +respect worthy of the honour you propose her." + +"And whom do you think more worthy?" demanded Henry. + +"Those whom I have already recommended to your majesty, the Duchess +d'Alencon, or the Princess Renee," replied Wolsey; "by a union with +either of whom you would secure the cordial co-operation of Francis, +and the interests of the see of Rome, which, in the event of a war with +Spain, you may need." + +"No, Wolsey," replied Henry, taking a hasty turn across the chamber; "no +considerations of interests or security shall induce me to give up Anne. +I love her too well for that. Let the lion Charles roar, the fox Francis +snarl, and the hydra-headed Clement launch forth his flames, I will +remain firm to my purpose. I will not play the hypocrite with you, +whatever I may do with others. I cast off Catherine that I may wed Anne, +because I cannot otherwise obtain her. And shall I now, when I +have dared so much, and when the prize is within my grasp, abandon +it?--Never! Threats, expostulations, entreaties are alike unavailing." + +"I grieve to hear it, my liege," replied Wolsey, heaving a deep sigh. +"It is an ill-omened union, and will bring woe to you, woe to your +realm, and woe to the Catholic Church." + +"And woe to you also, false cardinal," cried Anne Boleyn, throwing aside +the arras, and stepping forward. "I have overheard what has passed; +and from my heart of hearts I thank you, Henry, for the love you have +displayed for me. But I here solemnly vow never to give my hand to you +till Wolsey is dismissed from your counsels." + +"Anne!" exclaimed the king. + +"My own enmity I could forego," pursued Anne vehemently, "but I cannot +forgive him his duplicity and perfidy towards you. He has just proffered +you his splendid palace of Hampton, and his treasures; and wherefore?--I +will tell you: because he feared they would be wrested from him. His +jester had acquainted him with the discovery just made of the secret +hoard, and he was therefore compelled to have recourse to this desperate +move. But I was apprized of his intentions by Will Sommers, and have +come in time to foil him." + +"By my faith, I believe you are right, sweetheart," said the king. + +"Go, tell your allies, Francis and Clement, that the king's love for me +outweighs his fear of them," cried Anne, laughing spitefully. "As for +you, I regard you as nothing." + +"Vain woman, your pride will be abased," rejoined Wolsey bitterly. + +"Vain man, you are already abased," replied Anne. "A few weeks ago I +would have made terms with you. Now I am your mortal enemy, and will +never rest till I have procured your downfall." + +"The king will have an amiable consort, truly," sneered Wolsey. + +"He will have one who can love him and hate his foes," replied Anne; +"and not one who would side with them and thee, as would be the case +with the Duchess d'Alencon or the Princess Renee. Henry, you know the +sole terms on which you can procure my hand." + +The king nodded a playful affirmative. + +"Then dismiss him at once, disgrace him," said Anne. + +"Nay, nay," replied Henry, "the divorce is not yet passed. You are +angered now, and will view matters more coolly to-morrow." + +"I shall never change my resolution," she replied. + +"If my dismissal and disgrace can save my sovereign, I pray him to +sacrifice me without hesitation," said Wolsey; "but while I have liberty +of speech with him, and aught of power remaining, I will use it to his +advantage. I pray your majesty suffer me to retire." + +And receiving a sign of acquiescence from the king, he withdrew, amid +the triumphant laughter of Anne. + + + + +IX. + + How Tristram Lyndwood was interrogated by the King. + + +Anne Boleyn remained with her royal lover for a few minutes to pour +forth her gratitude for the attachment he had displayed to her, and to +confirm the advantage she had gained over Wolsey. As soon as she +was gone, Henry summoned an usher, and giving him some instructions +respecting Mabel Lyndwood, proceeded to the Curfew Tower. + +Nothing was said to him of the strange noise that had been heard in +the upper chamber, for the arquebusiers were fearful of exciting his +displeasure by a confession of their alarm, and he descended at once to +the dungeon. + +"Well, fellow," he cried, sternly regarding the captive, who arose at +his entrance, "you have now had ample time for reflection, and I trust +are in a better frame of mind than when I last spoke with you. I command +you to declare all you know concerning Herne the Hunter, and to give +me such information respecting the proscribed felon, Morgan Fenwolf, as +will enable me to accomplish his capture." + +"I have already told your highness that my mouth is sealed by an oath of +secrecy," replied Tristram, humbly, but firmly. + +"Obstinate dog! thou shalt either speak, or I will hang thee from the +top of this tower, as I hanged Mark Fytton the butcher," roared Henry. + +"You will execute your sovereign pleasure, my liege," said the old man. +"My life is in your hands. It is little matter whether it is closed now +or a year hence. I have well nigh run out my term." + +"If thou carest not for thyself, thou mayest not be equally indifferent +to another," cried the king. "What ho! bring in his granddaughter." + +The old man started at the command, and trembled violently. The next +moment, Mabel was led into the dungeon by Shoreditch and Paddington. +Behind her came Nicholas Clamp. On seeing her grandsire, she uttered a +loud cry and would have rushed towards him, but she was held back by her +companions. + +"Oh grandfather!" she cried, "what have you done?-why do I find you +here?" + +Tristram groaned, and averted his head. + +"He is charged with felony and sorcery," said the king sternly, "and you, +maiden, come under the same suspicion." + +"Believe it not, sire," cried the old man, flinging himself at Henry's +feet; "oh, believe it not. Whatever you may judge of me, believe her +innocent. She was brought up most devoutly, by a lay sister of the +monastery at Chertsey; and she knows nothing, save by report, of what +passes in the forest." + +"Yet she has seen and conversed with Morgan Fenwolf," the king. + +"Not since he was outlawed," said Tristram. + +"I saw him to--day, as I was brought to the castle," cried Mabel, +"and--" but recollecting that she might implicate her grandfather, she +suddenly stopped. + +"What said he?--ha!" demanded the king. + +"I will tell your majesty what passed," interposed Nicholas Clamp, +stepping forward, "for I was with the damsel at the time. He came upon +us suddenly from behind a great tree, and ordered her to accompany him +to her grandsire." + +"Ha!" exclaimed the king. + +"But he had no authority for what he said, I am well convinced," pursued +Clamp. "Mabel disbelieved him and refused to go, and I should have +captured him if the fiend he serves had not lent him a helping hand." + +"What says the prisoner himself to this?" observed the king. "Didst thou +send Fenwolf on the errand?" + +"I did," replied Tristram. "I sent him to prevent her from going to the +castle." + +Mabel sobbed audibly. + +"Thou art condemned by thy own confession, caitiff," said the king, +"and thou knowest upon what terms alone thou canst save thyself from the +hangman, and thy grand-daughter from the stake." + +"Oh, mercy, sire, mercy!" shrieked Mabel. + +"Your fate rests with your grandsire," said the king sternly. "If he +chooses to be your executioner he will remain silent." + +"Oh, speak, grandsire, speak!" cried Mabel. "What matters the violation +of an unholy vow?" + +"Give me till to-morrow for consideration, sire," said the old man. + +"Thou shalt have till midnight," replied the king; "and till then Mabel +shall remain with thee." + +"I would rather be left alone," said Tristram. + +"I doubt it not," replied the king; "but it shall not be." And without +bestowing a look at Mabel, whose supplications he feared might shake +his purpose, he quitted the vault with his attendants, leaving her alone +with her grandsire. + +"I shall return at midnight," he said to the arquebusier stationed at +the door; "and meanwhile let no one enter the dungeon--not even the Duke +of Suffolk--unless," he added, holding forth his hand to display a ring, +"he shall bring this signet." + + + + +X. + + Of the Brief Advantage gained by the Queen and the Cardinal. + + +As the king, wholly unattended--for he had left the archers at the +Curfew Tower--was passing at the back of Saint George's Chapel, near the +north transept, he paused for a moment to look at the embattled entrance +to the New Commons--a structure erected in the eleventh year of his own +reign by James Denton, a canon, and afterwards Dean of Lichfield, for +the accommodation of such chantry priests and choristers as had no place +in the college. Over the doorway, surmounted by a niche, ran (and still +runs) the inscription-- + +"AEDES PRO SACELLANORUM CHORISTARUM COVIVIIS EXTRUCTA, A.D. 1519." + +The building has since been converted into one of the canons' houses. + +While he was contemplating this beautiful gateway, which was glimmering +in the bright moonlight, a tall figure suddenly darted from behind one +of the buttresses of the chapel, and seized his left arm with an +iron grasp. The suddenness of the attack took him by surprise; but he +instantly recovered himself, plucked away his arm, and, drawing his +sword, made a pass at his assailant, who, however, avoided the thrust, +and darted with inconceivable swiftness through the archway leading to +the cloisters. Though Henry followed as quickly as he could, he lost +sight of the fugitive, but just as he was about to enter the passage +running between the tomb-house and the chapel, he perceived a person in +the south ambulatory evidently anxious to conceal himself, and, rushing +up to him and dragging him to the light he found it was no other than +the cardinal's jester, Patch. + +"What does thou here, knave?" cried Henry angrily. + +"I am waiting for my master, the cardinal," replied the jester, +terrified out of his wits. + +"Waiting for him here!" cried the king. "Where is he?" + +"In that house," replied Patch, pointing to a beautiful bay-window, +full of stained glass, overhanging the exquisite arches of the north +ambulatory. + +"Why, that is Doctor Sampson's dwelling," cried Henry; "he who was +chaplain to the queen, and is a strong opponent of the divorce. What doth +he there?" + +"I am sure I know not," replied Patch, whose terror increased each +moment. "Perhaps I have mistaken the house. Indeed, I am sure it must be +Doctor Voysey's, the next door." + +"Thou liest, knave!" cried Henry fiercely; "thy manner convinces me +there is some treasonable practice going forward. But I will soon find +it out. Attempt to give the alarm, and I will cut thy throat." + +With this he proceeded to the back of the north ambulatory, and finding +the door he sought unfastened, raised the latch and walked softly in. +But before he got half-way down the passage, Doctor Sampson himself +issued from an inner room with a lamp in his hand. He started on seeing +the king, and exhibited great alarm. + +"The Cardinal of York is here--I know it," said Henry in a deep whisper. +"Lead me to him." + +"Oh, go not forward, my gracious liege!" cried Sampson, placing himself +in his path. + +"Wherefore not?" rejoined the king. "Ha! what voice is that I heard in +the upper chamber? Is she here, and with Wolsey? Out of my way, man," +he added, pushing the canon aside, and rushing up the short wooden +staircase. + +When Wolsey returned from his interview with the king, which had been +so unluckily interrupted by Anne Boleyn, he found his ante-chamber +beset with a crowd of suitors to whose solicitations he was compelled to +listen, and having been detained in this manner for nearly half an hour, +he at length retired into an inner room. + +"Vile sycophants!" he muttered, "they bow the knee before me, and pay me +greater homage than they render the king, but though they have fed upon +my bounty and risen by my help, not one of them, if he was aware of my +true position, but would desert me. Not one of them but would lend a +helping hand to crush me. Not one but would rejoice in my downfall. But +they have not deceived me. I knew them from the first--saw through their +hollowness and despised them. While power lasts to me, I will punish +some of them. While power lasts!" he repeated. "Have I any power +remaining? I have already given up Hampton and my treasures to the king; +and the work of spoliation once commenced, the royal plunderer will not +be content till he has robbed me of all; while his minion, Anne Boleyn, +has vowed my destruction. Well, I will not yield tamely, nor fall +unavenged." + +As these thoughts passed through his mind, Patch, who had waited for +a favourable moment to approach him, delivered him a small billet +carefully sealed, and fastened with a silken thread. Wolsey took it, +and broke it open; and as his eye eagerly scanned its contents, the +expression of his countenance totally changed. A flash of joy and +triumph irradiated his fallen features; and thrusting the note into +the folds of his robe, he inquired of the jester by whom it had been +brought, and how long. + +"It was brought by a messenger from Doctor Sampson," replied Patch, "and +was committed to me with special injunctions to deliver it to your grace +immediately on your return, and secretly." + +The cardinal sat down, and for a few moments appeared lost in deep +reflection; he then arose, and telling Patch he should return presently, +quitted the chamber. But the jester, who was of an inquisitive turn, and +did not like to be confined to half a secret, determined to follow him, +and accordingly tracked him along the great corridor, down a winding +staircase, through a private door near the Norman Gateway, across the +middle ward, and finally saw him enter Doctor Sampson's dwelling, at the +back of the north ambulatory. He was reconnoitring the windows of the +house from the opposite side of the cloisters in the hope of discovering +something, when he was caught, as before mentioned, by the king. + +Wolsey, meanwhile, was received by Doctor Sampson at the doorway of +his dwelling, and ushered by him into a chamber on the upper floor, +wainscoted with curiously carved and lustrously black oak. A silver lamp +was burning the on the table, and in the recess of the window, which +was screened by thick curtains, sat a majestic lady, who rose on the +cardinal's entrance. It was Catherine of Arragon. + +"I attend your pleasure, madam," said Wolsey, with a profound +inclination. + +"You have been long in answering my summons," said the queen; "but +I could not expect greater promptitude. Time was when a summons from +Catherine of Arragon would have been quickly and cheerfully attended to; +when the proudest noble in the land would have borne her message to you, +and when you would have passed through crowds to her audience-chamber. +Now another holds her place, and she is obliged secretly to enter the +castle where she once ruled, to despatch a valet to her enemy, to attend +his pleasure, and to receive him in the dwelling of an humble canon. +Times are changed with me, Wolsey--sadly changed." + +"I have been in attendance on the king, madam, or I should have been +with you sooner," replied Wolsey. "It grieves me sorely to see you +here." + +"I want not your pity," replied the queen proudly. "I did not send for +you to gratify your malice by exposing my abject state. I did not send +for you to insult me by false sympathy; but in the hope that your own +interest would induce you to redress the wrongs you have done me." + +"Alas! madam, I fear it is now too late to repair the error I have +committed," said Wolsey, in a tone of affected penitence and sorrow. + +"You admit, then, that it was an error," cried Catherine. "Well, that +is something. Oh! that you had paused before you began this evil +work--before you had raised a storm which will destroy me and yourself. +Your quarrel with my nephew the Emperor Charles has cost me dear, but it +will cost you yet more dearly." + +"I deserve all your reproaches, madam," said Wolsey, with feigned +meekness; "and I will bear them without a murmur. But you have sent for +me for some specific object, I presume?" + +"I sent for you to give me aid, as much for your own sake as mine," +replied the queen, "for you are in equal danger. Prevent this +divorce--foil Anne--and you retain the king's favour. Our interests are +so far leagued together, that you must serve me to serve yourself. My +object is to gain time to enable my friends to act. Your colleague is +secretly favourable to me. Pronounce no sentence here, but let the cause +be removed to Rome. My nephew the emperor will prevail upon the Pope to +decide in my favour." + +"I dare not thus brave the king's displeasure, madam;" replied Wolsey. + +"Dissembler!" exclaimed Catherine. "I now perceive the insincerity of +your professions. This much I have said to try you. And now to my real +motive for sending for you. I have in my possession certain letters, +that will ruin Anne Boleyn with the king." + +"Ha!" exclaimed the cardinal joyfully; "if that be the case, all the +rest will be easy. Let me see the letters, I pray you, madam." + +Before Catherine could reply, the door was thrown violently open, and +the king stood before them. + +"Soh!" roared Henry, casting a terrible look at Wolsey, "I have caught +you at your treasonable practices at last! And you, madam," he added, +turning to Catherine, who meekly, but steadily, returned his gaze, "what +brings you here again? Because I pardoned your indiscretion yesterday, +think not I shall always be so lenient. You will leave the castle +instantly. As to Wolsey, he shall render me a strict account of his +conduct." + +"I have nothing to declare, my liege," replied Wolsey, recovering +himself, "I leave it to the queen to explain why I came hither." + +"The explanation shall be given at once," said Catherine. "I sent for +the cardinal to request him to lay before your majesty these two letters +from Anne Boleyn to Sir Thomas Wyat, that you might judge whether one +who could write thus would make you a fitting consort. You disbelieved +my charge of levity yesterday. Read these, sire, and judge whether I +spoke the truth." + +Henry glanced at the letters, and his brow grew dark. + +"What say you to them, my liege?" cried Catherine, with a glance of +triumph. "In the one she vows eternal constancy to Sir Thomas Wyat, and +in the other--written after her engagement to you--he tells him that +though they can never meet as heretofore, she will always love him." + +"Ten thousand furies!" cried the king. "Where got you these letters, +madam?" + +"They were given to me by a tall dark man, as I quitted the castle last +night," said the queen. "He said they were taken from the person of Sir +Thomas Wyat while he lay concealed in the forest in the cave of Herne +the Hunter." + +"If I thought she wrote them," cried Henry, in an access jealous fury, +"I would cast her off for ever." + +"Methinks your majesty should be able to judge whether they are true or +false," said Catherine. "I know her writing well--too well, alas!--and +am satisfied they are genuine." + +"I am well assured that Wyat was concealed in the Lady Anne's chamber +when your majesty demanded admittance and could not obtain it--when the +Earl of Surrey sacrificed himself for her, and for his friend," said +Wolsey. + +"Perdition!" exclaimed the king, striking his brow with his clenched +hand. "Oh, Catherine!" he continued, after a pause, during which she +intently watched the workings of his countenance, "and it was for this +light-hearted creature I was about to cast you off." + +"I forgive you, sire--I forgive you!" exclaimed the queen, clasping his +hands, and bedewing them with grateful tears. "You have been deceived. +Heaven keep you in the same mind!" + +"You have preserved me," said Henry, "but you must not tarry here. Come +with me to the royal lodgings." + +"No, Henry," replied Catherine, with a shudder, "not while she is +there." + +"Make no conditions, madam," whispered Wolsey. "Go." + +"She shall be removed to-morrow," said Henry. + +"In that case I am content to smother my feelings," said the queen. + +"Come, then, Kate," said Henry, taking her hand. "Lord cardinal, you +will attend us." + +"Right gladly, my liege," replied Wolsey. "If this mood will only +endure," he muttered, "all will go well. But his jealousy must not be +allowed to cool. Would that Wyat were here!" + +Doctor Sampson could scarcely credit his senses as he beheld the august +pair come forth together, and a word from Wolsey explaining what had +occurred, threw him into transports of delight. But the surprise of the +good canon was nothing to that exhibited as Henry and Catherine entered +the royal lodgings, and the king ordered his own apartments to be +instantly prepared for her majesty's reception. + + + + +XI. + + How Tristram Lyndwood and Mabel were liberated. + + +Intelligence of the queen's return was instantly conveyed to Anne +Boleyn, and filled her with indescribable alarm. All her visions of +power and splendour seemed to melt away at once. She sent for her +father, Lord Rochford, who hurried to her in a state of the utmost +anxiety, and closely questioned her whether the extraordinary change had +not been occasioned by some imprudence of her own. But she positively +denied the charge, alleging that she had parted with the king scarcely +an hour before on terms of the most perfect amity, and with the full +conviction that she had accomplished the cardinal's ruin. + +"You should not have put forth your hand against him till you were sure +of striking the blow," said Rochford. "There is no telling what secret +influence he has over the king; and there may yet be a hard battle to +fight. But not a moment must be lost in counteracting his operations. +Luckily, Suffolk is here, and his enmity to the cardinal will make him +a sure friend to us. Pray Heaven you have not given the king fresh +occasion for jealousy! That is all I fear." + +And quitting his daughter, he sought out Suffolk, who, alarmed at what +appeared like a restoration of Wolsey to favour, promised heartily to +co-operate with him in the struggle; and that no time might be lost, +the duke proceeded at once to the royal closet, where he found the king +pacing moodily to and fro. + +"Your majesty seems disturbed," said the duke. + +"Disturbed!--ay!" exclaimed the king. "I have enough to disturb me. I +will never love again. I will forswear the whole sex. Harkee, Suffolk, +you are my brother, my second self, and know all the secrets of +my heart. After the passionate devotion I have displayed for Anne +Boleyn--after all I have done for her--all I have risked for her--I have +been deceived." + +"Impossible, my liege?" exclaimed Suffolk. + +"Why, so I thought," cried Henry, "and I turned a deaf ear to all +insinuations thrown out against her, till proof was afforded which I +could no longer doubt." + +"And what was the amount of the proof, my liege?" asked Suffolk. + +"These letters," said Henry, handing them to him, "found on the person +of Sir Thomas Wyat." + +"But these only prove, my liege, the existence of a former +passion--nothing more," remarked Suffolk, after he had scanned them. + +"But she vows eternal constancy to him!" cried Henry; "says she shall +ever love him--says so at the time she professes devoted love for me! +How can I trust her after that? Suffolk, I feel she does not love me +exclusively; and my passion is so deep and devouring, that it demands +entire return. I must have her heart as well as her person; and I feel I +have only won her in my quality of king." + +"I am persuaded your majesty is mistaken," said the duke. "Would I +could think so!" sighed Henry. "But no--no, I cannot be deceived. I +will conquer this fatal passion. Oh, Suffolk! it is frightful to be the +bondslave of a woman--a fickle, inconstant woman. But between the depths +of love and hate is but a step; and I can pass from one to the other." + +"Do nothing rashly, my dear liege," said Suffolk; "nothing that may +bring with it after-repentance. Do not be swayed by those who have +inflamed your jealousy, and who could practise upon it. Think the +matter calmly over, and then act. And till you have decided, see neither +Catherine nor Anne; and, above all, do not admit Wolsey to your secret +counsels." + +"You are his enemy, Suffolk," said the king sternly. + +"I am your majesty's friend," replied the duke. "I beseech you, yield to +me on this occasion, and I am sure of your thanks hereafter." + +"Well, I believe you are right, my good friend and brother," said Henry, +"and I will curb my impulses of rage and jealousy. To-morrow, before I +see either the queen or Anne, we will ride forth into the forest, and +talk the matter further over." + +"Your highness has come to a wise determination," said the duke. + +"Oh, Suffolk!" sighed Henry, "would I had never seen this siren! She +exercises a fearful control over me, and enslaves my very soul." + +"I cannot say whether it is for good or ill that you have met, my dear +liege," replied Suffolk, "but I fancy I can discern the way in which +your ultimate decision will be taken. But it is now near midnight. I +wish your majesty sound and untroubled repose." + +"Stay!" cried Henry, "I am about to visit the Curfew Tower, and must +take you with me. I will explain my errand as we go. I had some thought +of sending you there in my stead. Ha!" he exclaimed, glancing at his +finger, "By Saint Paul, it is gone!" + +"What is gone, my liege?" asked Suffolk. + +"My signet," replied Henry, "I missed it not till now. It has been +wrested from me by the fiend, during my walk from the Curfew Tower. Let +us not lose a moment, or the prisoners will be set free by him,--if they +have not been liberated already." + +So saying, he took a couple of dags--a species of short gun--from a +rest on the wall, and giving one to Suffolk, thrust the other into his +girdle. Thus armed, they quitted the royal lodgings, and hurried in +the direction of the Curfew Tower. Just as they reached the Horseshoe +Cloisters, the alarm-bell began to ring. + +"Did I not tell you so?" cried Henry furiously; "they have escaped. Ha! +it ceases!--what has happened?" + +About a quarter of an hour after the king had quitted the Curfew Tower, +a tall man, enveloped in a cloak, and wearing a high conical cap, +presented himself to the arquebusier stationed at the entrance to the +dungeon, and desired to be admitted to the prisoners. + +"I have the king's signet," he said, holding forth the ring. On seeing +this, the arquebusier, who recognised the ring, unlocked the door, and +admitted him. Mabel was kneeling on the ground beside her grandsire, +with her hands raised as in prayer, but as the tall man entered the +vault, she started to her feet, and uttered a slight scream. + +"What is the matter, child?" cried Tristram.. + +"He is here!--he is come!" cried Mabel, in a tone of the deepest terror. + +"Who--the king?" cried Tristram, looking up. "Ah! I see! Herne is come +to deliver me." + +"Do not go with him, grandsire," cried Mabel. "In the name of all the +saints, I implore you, do not." + +"Silence her!" said Herne in a harsh, imperious voice, "or I leave you." + +The old man looked imploringly at his granddaughter. + +"You know the conditions of your liberation?" said Herne. + +"I do--I do," replied Tristram hastily, and with a shudder. + +"Oh, grandfather!" cried Mabel, falling at his feet, "do not, I conjure +you, make any conditions with this dreaded being, or it will be at the +expense of your salvation. Better I should perish at the stake--better +you should suffer the most ignominious death, than this should be." + +"Do you accept them?" cried Herne, disregarding her supplications. + +Tristram answered in the affirmative. + +"Recall your words, grandfather--recall your words!" cried Mabel. "I +will implore pardon for you on my knees from the king, and he will not +refuse me." + +"The pledge cannot be recalled, damsel," said Herne; "and it is to save +you from the king, as much as to accomplish his own preservation, that +your grandsire consents. He would not have you a victim to Henry's +lust." And as he spoke, he divided the forester's bonds with his knife. +"You must go with him, Mabel," he added. + +"I will not!" she cried. "Something warns me that a great danger awaits +me." + +"You must go, girl," cried Tristram angrily. "I will not leave you to +Henry's lawless passion." + +Meanwhile, Herne had passed into one of the large embrasures, and +opened, by means of a spring, an entrance to a secret staircase in +the wall. He then beckoned Tristram towards him, and whispered some +instructions in his ear. + +"I understand," replied the old man. + +"Proceed to the cave," cried Herne, "and remain there till I join you." + +Tristram nodded assent. + +"Come, Mabel!" he cried, advancing towards her, and seizing her hand. + +"Away!" cried Herne in a menacing tone. + +Terrified by the formidable looks and gestures of the demon, the poor +girl offered no resistance, and her grandfather drew her into the +opening, which was immediately closed after her. + +About an hour after this, and when it was near upon the stroke of +midnight, the arquebusier who had admitted the tall stranger to the +dungeon, and who had momentarily expected his coming forth, opened the +door to see what was going forward. Great was his astonishment to find +the cell empty! After looking around in bewilderment, he rushed to the +chamber above, to tell his comrades what had happened. + +"This is clearly the work of the fiend," said Shoreditch; "it is useless +to strive against him." + +"That tall black man was doubtless Herne himself." said Paddington. "I +am glad he did us no injury. I hope the king will not provoke his malice +further." + +"Well, we must inform Captain Bouchier of the mischance," said +Shoreditch. "I would not be in thy skin, Mat Bee, for a trifle. The king +will be here presently, and then--" + +"It is impossible to penetrate through the devices of the evil one," +interrupted Mat. "I could have sworn it was the royal signet, for I saw +it on the king's finger as he delivered the order. I wish such another +chance of capturing the fiend would occur to me." + +As the words were uttered, the door of a recess was thrown suddenly +open, and Herne, in his wild garb, with his antlered helm upon his brow, +and the rusty chain depending from his left arm, stood before them. His +appearance was so terrific and unearthly that they all shrank aghast, +and Mat Bee fell with his face on the floor. + +"I am here!" cried the demon. "Now, braggart, wilt dare to seize me?" + +But not a hand was moved against him. The whole party seemed transfixed +with terror. + +"You dare not brave my power, and you are right," cried Herne--"a wave +of my hand would bring this old tower about your ears--a word would +summon a legion of fiends to torment you." + +"But do not utter it, I pray you, good Herne--excellent Herne," cried +Mat Bee. "And, above all things, do not wave your hand, for we have no +desire to be buried alive,--have we, comrades? I should never have said +what I did if I had thought your friendship within hearing." + +"Your royal master will as vainly seek to contend with me as he did to +bury me beneath the oak-tree," cried Herne. "If you want me further, +seek me in the upper chamber." + +And with these words he darted up the ladder-like flight of steps and +disappeared. + +As soon as they recovered from the fright that had enchained them, +Shoreditch and Paddington rushed forth into the area in front of the +turret, and shouting to those on the roof told them that Herne was in +the upper room--a piece of information which was altogether superfluous, +as the hammering had recommenced, and continued till the clock struck +twelve, when it stopped. Just then, it occurred to Mat Bee to ring the +alarm-bell, and he seized the rope, and began to pull it; but the bell +had scarcely sounded, when the cord, severed from above, fell upon his +head. + +At this juncture, the king and the Duke of Suffolk arrived. When told +what had happened, though prepared for it, Henry burst into a terrible +passion, and bestowed a buffet on Mat Bee, that well nigh broke his jaw, +and sent him reeling to the farther side of the chamber. He had not at +first understood that Herne was supposed to be in the upper room; but +as soon as he was made aware of the circumstance, he cried out--"Ah, +dastards! have you let him brave you thus? But I am glad of it. His +capture is reserved for my own hand." + +"Do not expose yourself to this risk, my gracious liege," said Suffolk. + +"What! are you too a sharer in their womanish fears, Suffolk?" cried +Henry. "I thought you had been made of stouter stuff. If there is +danger, I shall be the first to encounter it. Come," he added, snatching +a torch from an arquebusier. And, drawing his dag, he hurried up the +steep steps, while Suffolk followed his example, and three or four +arquebusiers ventured after them. + +Meanwhile Shoreditch and Paddington ran out, and informed Bouchier that +the king had arrived, and was mounting in search of Herne, upon which +the captain, shaking off his fears, ordered his men to follow him, and +opening the little door at the top of the stairs, began cautiously to +descend, feeling his way with his sword. He had got about half-way down, +when Henry sprang upon the platform. The light of the torch fell upon +the ghostly figure of Herne, with his arms folded upon his breast, +standing near the pile of wood, lying between the two staircases. So +appalling was the appearance of the demon, that Henry stood still to +gaze at him, while Bouchier and his men remained irresolute on the +stairs. In another moment, the Duke of Suffolk had gained the platform, +and the arquebusiers were seen near the head of the stairs. + +"At last, thou art in my power, accursed being!" cried Henry. "Thou art +hemmed in on all sides, and canst not escape!" + +"Ho! ho! ho!" laughed Herne. + +"This shall prove whether thou art human or not," cried Henry, taking +deliberate aim at him with the dag. + +"Ho! ho! ho!" laughed Herne. And as the report rang through the room, he +sank through the floor, and disappeared from view. + +"Gone!" exclaimed Henry, as the smoke cleared off; "gone! Holy Mary! +then it must indeed be the fiend. I made the middle of his skull my aim, +and if he had not been invulnerable, the bullet must have pierced his +brain. + +"I heard it rebound from his horned helmet, and drop to the floor," said +Bouchier. + +"What is that chest?" cried Henry, pointing to a strange coffin-shaped +box, lying, as it seemed, on the exact spot where the demon had +disappeared. + +No one had seen it before, though all called to mind the mysterious +hammering; and they had no doubt that the coffin was the work of the +demon. + +"Break it open," cried Henry; "for aught we know, Herne may be concealed +within it." + +The order was reluctantly obeyed by the arquebusiers. But no force was +required, for the lid was not nailed down; and when it was removed, a +human body in the last stage of decay was discovered. + +"Pah! close it up," cried Henry, turning away in disgust. "How came it +there?" + +"It must have been brought by the powers of darkness," said Bouchier; +"no such coffin was here when I searched the chamber two hours ago. But +see," he suddenly added, stooping down, and picking up a piece of paper +which had fallen from the coffin, "here is a scroll." + +"Give it me!" cried Henry; and holding it to the light, he read the +words, "The body of Mark Fytton, the butcher, the victim of a tyrant's +cruelty." + +Uttering a terrible imprecation, Henry flung the paper from him; and +bidding the arquebusiers burn the body at the foot of the gallows +without the town, he quitted the tower without further search. + + + + +XII. + + How Wolsey was disgraced by the King. + + +On the following day, a reconciliation took place between the king and +Anne Boleyn. During a ride in the great park with his royal brother, +Suffolk not only convinced him of the groundlessness of his jealousy, +but contrived to incense him strongly against Wolsey. Thus the queen and +the cardinal lost the momentary advantage they had gained, while Anne's +power was raised yet higher. Yielding to her entreaties not to see +Catherine again, nor to hold further conference with Wolsey until the +sentence of the court should be pronounced, Henry left the castle that +very day, and proceeded to his palace of Bridewell. The distress of the +unhappy queen at this sudden revolution of affairs may be conceived. +Distrusting Wolsey, and putting her sole reliance on Heaven and the +goodness of her cause, she withdrew to Blackfriars, where she remained +till the court met. As to the cardinal himself, driven desperate by +his situation, and exasperated by the treatment he had experienced, +he resolved, at whatever risk, to thwart Henry's schemes, and revenge +himself upon Anne Boleyn. + +Thus matters continued till the court met as before in the +Parliament-chamber, at Blackfriars. On this occasion Henry was present, +and took his place under a cloth of estate,--the queen sitting at some +distance below him. Opposite them were the legates, with the Archbishop +of Canterbury, and the whole of the bishops. The aspect of the +assemblage was grave and anxious. Many eyes were turned on Henry, who +looked gloomy and menacing, but the chief object of interest was the +queen, who, though pale as death, had never in her highest days of power +worn a more majestic and dignified air than on this occasion. + +The proceedings of the court then commenced, and the king being called +by the crier, he immediately answered to the summons. Catherine was next +called, and instead of replying, she marched towards the canopy beneath +which the king was seated, prostrated herself, and poured forth a most +pathetic and eloquent appeal to him, at the close of which she arose, +and making a profound reverence, walked out of the court, leaning upon +the arm of her general receiver, Griffith. Henry desired the crier to +call her back, but she would not return; and seeing the effect produced +by her address upon the auditory, he endeavoured to efface it by an +eulogium on her character and virtues, accompanied by an expression of +deep regret at the step he was compelled to take in separating himself +from her. But his hypocrisy availed him little, and his speech was +received with looks of ill-disguised incredulity. Some further discourse +then took place between the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop +of Rochester; but as the queen had absented herself, the court was +adjourned to the next day, when it again met, and as she did not then +appear, though summoned, she was pronounced contumacious. After repeated +adjournments, the last session was held, and judgment demanded on the +part of the king, when Campeggio, as had been arranged between him and +Wolsey, declined to pronounce it until he had referred the matter to the +Pope, and the court was dissolved. + +About two months after this event, during which time the legate's +commission had been revoked, while Henry was revolving the expediency of +accomplishing the divorce through the medium of his own ecclesiastical +courts, and without reference to that of Rome, a despatch was received +from the Pope by the two cardinals, requiring them to cite the king +to appear before him by attorney on a certain day. At the time of the +arrival of this instrument, Campeggio chanced to be staying with Wolsey +at his palace at Esher, and as the king was then holding his court at +Windsor, they both set out for the castle on the following day, attended +by a retinue of nearly a hundred horsemen, splendidly equipped. + +It was now the middle of September, and the woods, instead of presenting +one uniform mass of green, glowed with an infinite variety of lovely +tints. And yet, despite the beauty of the scene, there was something +melancholy in witnessing the decline of the year, as marked by those old +woods, and by the paths that led through them, so thickly strewn with +leaves. Wolsey was greatly affected. "These noble trees will ere long +bereft of all their glories," he thought, "and so, most likely, will it +be with me, and perhaps my winter may come sooner than theirs!" + +The cardinal and his train had crossed Staines Bridge, and passing +through Egham, had entered the great park near Englefield Green. They +were proceeding along the high ridge overlooking the woody region +between it and the castle, when a joyous shout in the glades beneath +reached them, and looking down, they saw the king accompanied by Anne +Boleyn, and attended by his falconers and a large company of horsemen, +pursuing the sport of hawking. The royal party appeared so much +interested in their sport that they did not notice the cardinal and his +train, and were soon out of sight. But as Wolsey descended Snow Hill, +and entered the long avenue, he heard the trampling of horses at a +little distance, and shortly afterwards, Henry and Anne issued from out +the trees. They were somewhat more than a bow-shot in advance of the +cardinal; but instead of halting till he came up, the king had no sooner +ascertained who it was, than, despatching a messenger to the castle, who +was seen galloping swiftly down the avenue, he rode off with Anne Boleyn +towards the opposite side of the park. Though deeply mortified by the +slight, Wolsey concealed his vexation from his brother cardinal, and +pursued his way to the castle, before which he presently arrived. The +gate was thrown open at his approach, but he had scarcely entered +the lower ward when Sir Henry Norris, the king's groom of the stole, +advanced to meet him, and, with a sorrowful expression of countenance, +said that his royal master had so many guests at the castle, that he +could not accommodate him and his train. + +"I understand your drift, sir," replied Wolsey; "you would tell me I am +not welcome. Well, then, his eminence Cardinal Campeggio and myself must +take up our lodging at some hostel in the town, for it is necessary we +should see the king." + +"If your grace is content to dismiss your attendants," said Norris in a +low tone, "you and Cardinal Campeggio can be lodged in Henry the Third's +Tower. Thus much I will take upon me; but I dare not admit you to the +royal lodgings." + +Wolsey tried to look unconcerned, and calling to his gentleman usher, +George Cavendish, gave him some instructions in a low voice, upon which +the other immediately placed himself at the head of the retinue, and +ordered them to quit the castle with him, leaving only the jester, +Patch, to attend upon his master. Campeggio's attendants being +comparatively speaking, few in number, were allowed to remain, and +his litter was conveyed to Henry the Third's Tower--a fortification +standing, as already stated, in the south side of the lower ward, near +the edge of the dry moat surrounding the Round Tower. At the steps of +this tower Wolsey dismounted, and was about to follow Campeggio into +the doorway, when Will Sommers, who had heard of his arrival, stepped +forward, and with a salutation of mock formality, said, "I am sure it +will grieve the king, my master, not to be able to accommodate your +grace's train; but since it is larger than his own, you will scarce +blame his want of hospitality." + +"Nor the courtesy of his attendants," rejoined Wolsey sharply. "I am in +no mood for thy jesting now. Stand aside, sirrah, or I will have the rod +applied to thy back!" + +"Take care the king does not apply the rod to your own, lord cardinal," +retorted Will Sommers. "If he scourges you according to your deserts, +your skin will be redder than your robe." And his mocking laugh pursued +Wolsey like the hiss of a snake into the tower. + +Some two hours after this, Henry and his attendants returned from the +chase. The king seemed in a blithe humour, and Wolsey saw him laugh +heartily as Will Sommers pointed with his bauble towards Henry the +Third's Tower. The cardinal received no invitation to the royal banquet; +and the answer to his solicitation for an interview was, that he and +Campeggio would be received in the presence-chamber on the following +morning, but not before. + +That night a great revel was held in the castle. Masquing, dancing, +and feasting filled up the evening, and the joyous sounds and strains +reached Wolsey in his seclusion, and forced him to contrast it with his +recent position, when he would have been second only to the king in the +entertainment. He laid his head upon his pillow, but not to rest, and +while tossing feverishly about his couch, he saw the arras with which +the walls were covered, move, and a tall, dark figure step from behind +it. The cardinal would have awakened his jester, who slept in a small +truckle-bed at his feet, but the strange visitor motioned him to be +still. + +"You may conjecture who I am, cardinal," he said, "but in case you +should doubt, I will tell you. I am Herne the Hunter! And now to my +errand. There is a damsel, whom you once saw in the forest near the +great lake, and whom you promised to befriend. You can assist her +now--to-morrow it may be out of your power." + +"I have enough to do to aid myself, without meddling with what concerns +me not," said Wolsey. + +"This damsel does concern you," cried Herne. "Read this, and you will +see in what way." + +And he tossed a letter to Wolsey, who glanced at it by the light of the +lamp. + +"Ha! is it so?" he exclaimed. "Is she--" + +"Hush!" cried Herne, "or you will wake this sleeper. It is as you +suppose. Will you not aid her now? Will you not bestow some of your +treasure upon her before it is wholly wrested from you by the king? I +will do aught you wish, secretly and swiftly." + +"Go, then, to my palace at Esher," cried the cardinal. "Take this key +to my treasurer--it is the key of my coffers. Bid him deliver to you the +six caskets in the cabinet in the gilt chamber. Here is a token by which +he will know that you came from me," he added, delivering him a small +chain of gold, "for it has been so agreed between us. But you will be +sure to give the treasure to Mabel." + +"Fear nothing," replied Herne. And stretching forth his hand to receive +the key and the chain, he glided behind the tapestry, and disappeared. + +This strange incident gave some diversion to Wolsey's thought; but ere +long they returned to their former channel. Sleep would not be summoned, +and as soon as the first glimpse of day appeared, he arose, and wrapping +his robe around him, left his room and ascended a winding staircase +leading to the roof of the tower. + +The morning promised to be fine, but it was then hazy, and the greater +part of the forest was wrapped in mist. The castle, however, was seen to +great advantage. Above Wolsey rose the vast fabric of the Round Tower, +on the summit of which the broad standard was at that moment being +unfurled; while the different battlements and towers arose majestically +around. But Wolsey's gaze rested chiefly upon the exquisite mausoleum +lying immediately beneath him; in which he had partly prepared +for himself a magnificent monument. A sharp pang shook him as he +contemplated it, and he cried aloud, "My very tomb will be wrested from +me by this rapacious monarch; and after all my care and all my cost, I +know not where I shall rest my bones!" + +Saddened by the reflection, he descended to his chamber, and again threw +himself on the couch. + +But Wolsey was not the only person in the castle who had passed a +sleepless night. Of the host of his enemies many had been kept awake by +the anticipation of his downfall on the morrow; and among these was +Anne Boleyn, who had received an assurance from the king that her enmity +should at length be fully gratified. + +At the appointed hour, the two cardinals, proceeded to the royal +lodgings. They were detained for some time in the ante-chamber, where +Wolsey was exposed to the taunts and sneers of the courtiers, who had +lately so servilely fawned upon him. At length, they were ushered +into the presence chamber, at the upper end of which beneath a canopy +emblazoned with the royal arms woven in gold, sat Henry, with Anne +Boleyn on his right hand. At the foot of the throne stood Will Sommers, +and near him the Dukes of Richmond and Suffolk. Norfolk, Rochford, and +a number of other nobles, all open enemies of Wolsey, were also present. +Henry watched the advance of the cardinals with a stern look, and after +they had made an obeisance to him, he motioned them to rise. + +"You have sought an interview with me, my lords," he said, with +suppressed rage. "What would you?" + +"We have brought an instrument to you, my liege," said Wolsey, "which +has just been received from his holiness the Pope." + +"Declare its nature," said Henry. + +"It is a citation," replied Wolsey, "enjoining your high ness to appear +by attorney in the papal court, under a penalty of ten thousand ducats." + +And he presented a parchment, stamped with the great seal of Rome, to +the king, who glanced his eye fiercely over it, and then dashed it to +the ground, with an explosion of fury terrible to hear and to witness. + +"Ha! by Saint George!" he cried; "am I as nothing, that the Pope dares +to insult me thus?" + +"It is a mere judicial form your majesty," interposed Campeggio, "and +is chiefly sent by his holiness to let you know we have no further +jurisdiction in the matter of the divorce." + +"I will take care you have not, nor his holiness either," roared the +king. "By my father's head, he shall find I will be no longer trifled +with." + +"But, my liege," cried Campeggio. + +"Peace!" cried the king. "I will hear no apologies nor excuses. The +insult has been offered, and cannot be effaced. As for you, Wolsey--" + +"Sire!" exclaimed the cardinal, shrinking before the whirlwind of +passion, which seemed to menace his utter extermination. + +"As for you, I say," pursued Henry, extending his hand towards him, +while his eyes flashed fire, "who by your outrageous pride have so long +overshadowed our honour--who by your insatiate avarice and appetite for +wealth have oppressed our subjects--who by your manifold acts of bribery +and extortion have impoverished our realm, and by your cruelty and +partiality have subverted the due course of justice and turned it to +your ends--the time is come when you shall receive due punishment for +your offences." + +"You wrong me, my dear liege," cried Wolsey abjectly. "These are the +accusations of my enemies. Grant me a patient hearing, and I will +explain all." + +"I would not sharpen the king's resentment against you, lord cardinal," +said Anne Boleyn, "for it is keen enough; but I cannot permit you to +say that these charges are merely hostile. Those who would support +the king's honour and dignity must desire to see you removed from his +counsels." + +"I am ready to take thy place, lord cardinal," said Will Sommers; "and +will exchange my bauble for thy chancellor's mace, and my fool's cap for +thy cardinal's hat." + +"Peace!" thundered the king. "Stand not between me and the object of my +wrath. Your accusers are not one but many, Wolsey; nay, the whole of my +people cry out for justice against you. And they shall have it. But you +shall hear the charges they bring. Firstly, contrary to our prerogative, +and for your own advancement and profit, you have obtained authority +legatine from the Pope; by which authority you have not only spoiled and +taken away their substance from many religious houses, but have usurped +much of our own jurisdiction. You have also made a treaty with the +King of France for the Pope without our consent, and concluded another +friendly treaty with the Duke of Ferrara, under our great seal, and +in our name, without our warrant. And furthermore you have presumed to +couple yourself with our royal self in your letters and instructions, as +if you were on an equality with us." + +"Ha! ha! 'The king and I would have you do thus!' 'The king and I give +you our hearty thanks!' Ran it not so, cardinal?" cried Will Sommers. +"You will soon win the cap and bells." + +"In exercise of your legatine authority," pursued the king, "you have +given away benefices contrary to our crown and dignity, for the which +you are in danger of forfeiture of your lands and goods." + +"A premunire, cardinal," cried Will Sommers. "A premunire!--ha! ha!" + +"Then it has been your practice to receive all the ambassadors to our +court first at your own palace," continued Henry, "to hear their charges +and intentions, and to instruct them as you might see fit. You have also +so practised that all our letters sent from beyond sea have first come +to your own hands, by which you have acquainted yourself with their +contents, and compelled us and our council to follow your devices. +You have also written to all our ambassadors abroad in your own name +concerning our affairs, without our authority; and received letters in +return from them by which you have sought to compass your own purposes. +By your ambition and pride you have undone many of our poor subjects; +have suppressed religious houses, and received their possessions; have +seized upon the goods of wealthy spiritual men deceased; constrained all +ordinaries yearly to compound with you; have gotten riches for yourself +and servants by subversion of the laws, and by abuse of your authority +in causing divers pardons of the Pope to be suspended until you, by +promise of a yearly pension, chose to revive them; and also by crafty +and untrue tales have sought to create dissention among our nobles." + +"That we can all avouch for," cried Suffolk. "It was never merry in +England while there were cardinals among us." + +"Of all men in England your grace should be the last to say so," +rejoined Wolsey; "for if I had not been cardinal, you would not have had +a head upon your shoulders to utter the taunt." + +"No more of this!" cried the king. "You have misdemeaned yourself in +our court by keeping up as great state in our absence as if we had been +there in person, and presumptuously have dared to join and imprint your +badge, the cardinal's hat, under our arms, graven on our coins struck at +York. And lastly, whenever in open Parliament allusion hath been made +to heresies and erroneous sects, you have failed to correct and notice +them, to the danger of the whole body of good and Christian people of +this our realm." + +"This last charge ought to win me favour in the eyes of one who +professes the Opinions of Luther," said Wolsey to Anne. "But I deny it, +as I do all the rest." + +"I will listen to no defence, Wolsey," replied the king. "I will +make you a terrible example to others how they offend us and our laws +hereafter." + +"Do not condemn me unheard!" cried the cardinal, prostrating himself. + +"I have heard too much, and I will hear no more!" cried the king +fiercely. "I dismiss you from my presence for ever. If you are innocent, +as you aver, justice will be done you.. If you are guilty, as I believe +you to be, look not for leniency from me, for I will show you none." +And, seating himself, he turned to Anne, and said, in a low tone, "Are +you content, sweetheart?" + +"I am," she replied. "I shall not now break my vow. False cardinal," she +added aloud, "your reign is at an end." + +"Your own may not be much longer, madam," rejoined Wolsey bitterly. "The +shadow of the axe," he added, pointing to the reflection of a partisan +on the floor, "is at your feet. Ere long it may rise to the head." + +And, accompanied by Campeggio, he slowly quitted the presence-chamber. + + +THUS ENDS THE FOURTH BOOK OF THE CHRONICLE OF WINDSOR CASTLE + + + + + +BOOK V. MABEL LYNDWOOD + + + + +I. + + How the Earl of Surrey and the Fair Geraldine met in King + James's Bower in the Moat--And how they were surprised by + the Duke of Richmond. + + +IN order to preserve unbroken the chain of events with which the last +book of this chronicle concluded, it was deemed expedient to disturb +the unity of time, so far as it related to some of the less important +characters; and it will now be necessary, therefore, to return to the +middle of June, when the Earl of Surrey's term of captivity was drawing +to a close. + +As the best means of conquering the anxiety produced by the vision +exhibited to him by Herne, increased as it was by the loss of the relic +he had sustained at the same time, the earl had devoted himself to +incessant study, and for a whole month he remained within his chamber. +The consequence of his unremitting application was that, though he +succeeded in his design and completely regained his tranquillity, his +strength gave way under the effort, and he was confined for some days to +his couch by a low fever. + +As soon as he was sufficiently recovered to venture forth, he mounted to +the summit of the Round Tower, in the hope that a walk round its breezy +battlements might conduce to his restoration to health. The day was +bright and beautiful, and a gentle wind was stirring; and as Surrey +felt the breath of heaven upon his cheek, and gazed upon the glorious. +prospect before him, he wondered that his imprisonment had not driven +him mad. Everything around him, indeed, was calculated to make the +sense of captivity painful. The broad and beautiful meads, stretching +out beneath him, seemed to invite a ramble over them; the silver river +courted a plunge into its waves, the woods an hour's retirement into +their shady recesses, The bells of Eton College rang out merrily, but +their sound saddened rather than elated him. The road between Eton and +Windsor, then marked by straggling cottages with gardens between them, +with here and there a dwelling of a better kind, was thronged with herds +of cattle and their drivers, for a fair was held that day in the town of +Windsor, to which they were hastening. Then there were country maidens +and youthful hinds in their holiday apparel, trooping towards the +bridge. Booths were erected, near which, in the Brocas meads, the rustic +sports of wrestling, running, and casting the bar were going forward, +while numbers of boats shot to and fro upon the river, and strains of +music proceeded from a large gilt barge moored to its banks. Nearer, and +in the broad green plain lying beneath the north terrace, were a company +of archers shooting at the butts. But these sights, instead of affording +pleasure to Surrey, only sharpened the anguish of his feelings by the +contrast they offered to his present position. + +To distract his thoughts, he quitted the near view, and let his eye run +along the edge of the horizon, until it rested upon a small speck, +which he knew to be the lofty spire of Saint Paul's Cathedral. If, as he +supposed, the Fair Geraldine was in attendance upon Anne Boleyn, at the +palace at Bridewell, she must be under the shadow of this very spire; +and the supposition, whether correct or not, produced such quick and +stifling emotions, that the tears rushed to his eyes. + +Ashamed of his weakness, he turned to the other side of the tower, and +bent his gaze upon the woody heights of the great park. These recalled +Herne the Hunter; and burning with resentment at the tricks practised +upon him by the demon, he determined that the first use he would make of +his liberty should be to seek out, and, if possible, effect the capture +of this mysterious being. Some of the strange encounters between Herne +and the king had been related to him by the officer on guard at the +Norman Tower but these only served as stimulants to the adventure. After +a couple of hours thus passed on the keep, he descended refreshed and +invigorated. The next day he was there again, and the day after that; +when, feeling that his restoration was well nigh complete, he requested +permission to pass the following evening in the dry moat of the donjon. +And this was readily accorded him. + +Covered with green sod, and shaded by many tall trees growing out of +the side of the artificial mound on which the keep was built, the fosse +offered all the advantages of a garden to the prisoners who were allowed +to take exercise within it. Here, as has been mentioned, King James the +First of Scotland first beheld, from the battlements above, the lovely +Jane Beaufort take her solitary walk, and by his looks and gestures +contrived to make her sensible of the passion with which she inspired +him; and here at last, in an arbour which, for the sake of the old and +delightful legend connected with it, was kept up at the time of this +chronicle, and then bore the name of the royal poet, they had secretly +met, and interchanged their vows of affection. + +Familiar with the story, familiar also with the poetic strains to which +the monarch's passion gave birth, Surrey could not help comparing his +own fate with that of the illustrious captive who had visited the spot +before him. Full of such thoughts, he pensively tracked the narrow path +winding between the grassy banks of the fosse--now casting up his eyes +to the keep--now looking towards the arbour, and wishing that he had +been favoured with such visitings as lightened the captivity of the +Scottish king. At last, he sought the bower--a charming little nest of +green leaves and roses, sheltering a bench which seemed only contrived +for lovers--and taking out his tablets, began to trace within them some +stanzas of that exquisite poem which has linked his name for ever with +the Round Tower. Thus occupied, the time stole on insensibly, and he was +not aware that he had over-stayed the limits allowed him, till he was +aroused by the voice of the officer, who came to summon him back to his +prison. + +"You will be removed to your old lodging, in the Round Tower, to-morrow +night, my lord," said the officer. + +"For what reason?" demanded the earl, as he followed his conductor up +the steep side of the mound. But receiving no reply, he did not renew +the inquiry. + +Entering a door in the covered way at the head of the flight of steps +communicating with the Norman Tower, they descended them in silence. +Just as they reached the foot of this long staircase, the earl chanced +to cast back his eyes, and, to his inexpressible astonishment, perceived +on the landing at the head of the steps, and just before the piece of +ordnance commanding the ascent, the figure of Herne the Hunter. + +Before he could utter an exclamation, the figure retreated through the +adjoining archway. Telling the officer what he had seen, Surrey would +fain have gone in quest of the fiendish spy; but the other would not +permit him; and affecting to treat the matter as a mere creation of +fancy, he hurried the earl to his chamber in the Curfew Tower. + +The next day, Surrey was removed betimes to the Round Tower, and the +cause of the transfer was soon explained by the discharge of ordnance, +the braying of trumpets and the rolling of drums, announcing the arrival +of the king. From the mystery observed towards him, Surrey was led to +the conclusion that the Fair Geraldine accompanied the royal party; +but he in vain sought to satisfy himself of the truth of the surmise by +examining, through the deep embrasure of his window, the cavalcade +that soon afterwards entered the upper quadrangle. Amid the throng of +beautiful dames surrounding Anne Boleyn he could not be certain that he +detected the Fair Geraldine; but he readily distinguished the Duke +of Richmond among the nobles, and the sight awakened a pang of bitter +jealousy in his breast. + +The day wore away slowly, for he could not fix his attention upon his +books, neither was he allowed to go forth upon the battlements of the +tower. In the evening, however, the officer informed him he might +take exercise within the dry moat if he was so inclined, and he gladly +availed himself of the permission. + +After pacing to and fro along the walk for a short time, he entered the +arbour, and was about to throw himself upon the bench, when he observed +a slip of paper lying upon it. He took it up, and found a few lines +traced upon it in hurried characters. They ran thus:--"The Fair +Geraldine arrived this morning in the castle. If the Earl of Surrey +desires to meet her, he will find her within this arbour at midnight." + +This billet was read and re-read by the young earl with feelings of +indescribable transport; but a little reflection damped his ardour, +and made him fear it might be a device to ensnare him. There was no +certainty that the note proceeded in any way from the Fair Geraldine, +nor could he even be sure that she was in the castle. Still, despite +these misgivings, the attraction was too powerful to be resisted, and +he turned over the means of getting out of his chamber, but the scheme +seemed wholly impracticable. The window was at a considerable height +above the ramparts of the keep, and even if he could reach them, and +escape the notice of the sentinels, he should have to make a second +descent into the fosse. And supposing all this accomplished how was +he to return? The impossibility of answering this latter mental +interrogation compelled him to give up all idea of the attempt. + +On returning to his prison-chamber, he stationed himself at the +embrasure overlooking the ramparts, and listened to the regular tread of +the sentinel below, half resolved, be the consequences what they might, +to descend. As the appointed time approached, his anxiety became almost +intolerable, and quitting the window, he began to pace hurriedly to and +fro within the chamber, which, as has been previously observed, partook +of the circular form of the keep, and was supported in certain places +by great wooden pillars and cross-beams. But instead of dissipating +his agitation, his rapid movements seemed rather to increase it, and at +last, wrought to a pitch of uncontrollable excitement, he cried aloud-- +"If the fiend were to present himself now, and offer to lead me to her, +I would follow him." + +Scarcely were the words uttered than a hollow laugh broke from the +farther end of the chamber, and a deep voice exclaimed--"I am ready to +take you to her." "I need not ask who addresses me," said Surrey, after +a pause, and straining his eyes to distinguish the figure of the speaker +in the gloom. + +"I will tell you who I am," rejoined the other. "I am he who visited you +once before--who showed you a vision of the Fair Geraldine--and carried +off your vaunted relic--ho! ho!" + +"Avoid thee, false fiend!" rejoined Surrey, "thou temptest me now in +vain." + +"You have summoned me," returned Herne; "and I will not be dismissed. I +am ready to convey you to your mistress, who awaits you in King James's +bower, and marvels at your tardiness." + +"And with what design dost thou offer me this service?" demanded Surrey. + +"It will be time enough to put that question when I make any condition," +replied Herne. "Enough, I am willing to aid you. Will you go?" + +"Lead on!" replied Surrey, marching towards him. + +Suddenly, Herne drew a lantern from beneath the cloak in which he was +wrapped, and threw its light on a trap-door lying open at his feet. + +"Descend!" + +Surrey hesitated a moment, and then plunged down the steps. In another +instant the demon followed. Some hidden machinery was then set in +motion, and the trap-door returned to its place. At length, Surrey +arrived at a narrow passage, which appeared to correspond in form with +the bulwarks of the keep. Here Herne passed him, and taking the lead, +hurried along the gallery and descended another flight of steps, which +brought them to a large vault, apparently built in the foundation of the +tower. Before the earl had time to gaze round this chamber, the demon +masked the lantern, and taking his hand, drew him through a narrow +passage, terminated by a small iron door, which flew open at a touch, +and they emerged among the bushes clothing the side of the mound. + +"You can now proceed without my aid," said Herne: "but take care not to +expose yourself to the sentinels." + +Keeping under the shade of the trees, for the moon was shining brightly, +Surrey hastened towards the arbour, and as he entered it, to his +inexpressible delight found that he had not been deceived, but that the +Fair Geraldine was indeed there. + +"How did you contrive this meeting?" she cried, after their first +greetings had passed. "And how did you learn I was in the castle, for +the strictest instructions were given that the tidings should not reach +you." + +The only response made by Surrey was to press her lily hand devotedly to +his lips. + +"I should not have ventured hither," pursued the Fair Geraldine, "unless +you had sent me the relic as a token. I knew you would never part with +it, and I therefore felt sure there was no deception." + +"But how did you get here?" inquired Surrey. + +"Your messenger provided a rope-ladder, by which I descended into the +moat," she replied. + +Surrey was stupefied. + +"You seem astonished at my resolution," she continued; "and, indeed, +I am surprised at it myself; but I could not overcome my desire to see +you, especially as this meeting may be our last. The king, through the +Lady Anne Boleyn, has positively enjoined me to think no more of you +and has given your father, the Duke of Norfolk, to understand that your +marriage without the royal assent will be attended by the loss of all +the favour he now enjoys." + +"And think you I will submit to such tyranny?" cried Surrey. + +"Alas!" replied the Fair Geraldine in a mournful tone, "I feel we shall +never be united. This conviction, which has lately forced itself upon +my mind, has not made me love you less, though it has in some degree +altered my feelings towards you." + +"But I may be able to move the king," cried Surrey. "I have some claim +besides that of kindred on the Lady Anne Boleyn--and she will obtain his +consent." + +"Do not trust to her," replied the Fair Geraldine. "You may have +rendered her an important service, but be not too sure of a return. +No, Surrey, I here release you from the troth you plighted to me in the +cloisters." + +"I will not be released from it!" cried the earl hastily; "neither will +I release you. I hold the pledge as sacred and as binding as if we had +been affianced together before Heaven." + +"For your own sake, do not say so, my dear lord," rejoined the Fair +Geraldine; "I beseech you, do not. That your heart is bound to me now, +I well believe--and that you could become inconstant I will not permit +myself to suppose. But your youth forbids an union between us for many +years; and if during that time you should behold some fairer face than +mine, or should meet some heart you may conceive more loving--though +that can hardly be--I would not have a hasty vow restrain you. Be free, +then--free at least for three years--and if at the end of that time your +affections are still unchanged, I am willing you should bind yourself to +me for ever." + +"I cannot act with equal generosity to you," rejoined Surrey in a tone +of deep disappointment. "I would sooner part with life than relinquish +the pledge I have received from you. But I am content that my constancy +should be put to the test you propose. During the long term of my +probation, I will shrink from no trial of faith. Throughout Europe I +will proclaim your beauty in the lists, and will maintain its supremacy +against all comers. But, oh! sweet Geraldine, since we have met in this +spot, hallowed by the loves of James of Scotland and Jane Beaufort, let +us here renew our vows of eternal constancy, and agree to meet again at +the time you have appointed, with hearts as warm and loving as those we +bring together now." + +And as he spoke he drew her towards him, and imprinted a passionate kiss +on her lips. + +"Let that ratify the pledge," he said. + +"Ho! ho! ho!" laughed a deep voice without. + +"What was that?" demanded the Fair Geraldine in a tone of alarm. + +"You have the relic, have you not?" inquired the earl in a low tone. + +"No!" she replied, "your messenger merely showed it to me. But why do +you ask? Ah! I understand. The fiendish laughter that just now sounded +in my ears proceeded from--" + +"Herne the Hunter," replied Surrey, in a whisper. "But fear nothing. I +will defend you with my life. Ah! accursed chance! I have no weapon." + +"None would avail against him," murmured the Fair Geraldine. "Lead me +forth; I shall die if I stay here." + +Supporting her in his arms, Surrey complied, but they had scarcely +gained the entrance of the arbour, when a tall figure stood before them. +It was the Duke of Richmond. A gleam of moonlight penetrating through +the leaves, fell upon the group, and rendered them distinctly visible to +each other. + +"Soh!" exclaimed the duke, after regarding the pair in silence for +a moment, "I have not been misinformed. You have contrived a meeting +here." + +"Richmond," said Surrey sternly, "we once were dear and loving friends, +and we are still honourable foes. I know that I am safe with you. I +know you will breathe no word about this meeting, either to the Fair +Geraldine's prejudice or mine. + +"You judge me rightly, my lord," replied the duke, in a tone of equal +sternness. "I have no thought of betraying you; though, by a word to my +royal father, I could prevent all chance of future rivalry on your part. +I shall, however, demand a strict account from you on liberation." + +"Your grace acts as beseems a loyal gentleman," replied Surrey. +"Hereafter I will not fail to account to you for my conduct in any way +you please." + +"Oh! let me interpose between you, my lords," cried the Fair Geraldine, +"to prevent the disastrous consequences of this quarrel. I have already +told your grace I cannot love you, and that my heart is devoted to +the Earl of Surrey. Let me appeal to your noble nature--to your +generosity--not to persist in a hopeless suit." + +"You have conquered madam," said the duke, after a pause. "I have been +to blame in this matter. But I will make amends for my error. Surrey, I +relinquish her to you." + +"My friend!" exclaimed the earl, casting himself into the duke's arms. + +"I will now endeavour to heal the wounds I have unwittingly occasioned," +said the Fair Geraldine. "I am surprised your grace should be insensible +to attractions so far superior to mine as those of the Lady Mary +Howard." + +"The Lady Mary is very beautiful, I confess," said the duke; "and if you +had not been in the way, I should assuredly have been her captive." + +"I ought not to betray the secret, perhaps," hesitated the Fair +Geraldine, "but gratitude prompts me to do so. The lady is not so blind +to your grace's merits as I have been." + +"Indeed!" exclaimed the duke. "If it be so, Surrey, we may yet be +brothers as well as friends." + +"And that it is so I can avouch, Richmond," rejoined the earl, "for I am +in my sister's secret as well as the Fair Geraldine. But now that this +explanation has taken place, I must entreat your grace to conduct the +Fair Geraldine back to her lodgings, while I regain, the best way I can, +my chamber in the Round Tower." + +"I marvel how you escaped from it," said Richmond; "but I suppose it was +by the connivance of the officer." + +"He who set me free--who brought the Fair Geraldine hither--and who, I +suspect, acquainted you with our meeting, was no other than Herne the +Hunter," replied Surrey. + +"You amaze me!" exclaimed the duke; "it was indeed a tall dark man, +muffled in a cloak, who informed me that you were to meet at midnight in +King James's bower in the moat, and I therefore came to surprise you." + +"Your informant was Herne," replied Surrey. + +"Right!" exclaimed the demon, stepping from behind a tree, where he +had hitherto remained concealed; "it was I--I, Herne the Hunter. And +I contrived the meeting in anticipation of a far different result from +that which has ensued. But I now tell you, my lord of Surrey, that it +is idle to indulge a passion for the Fair Geraldine. You will never wed +her." + +"False fiend, thou liest!" cried Surrey. + +"Time will show," replied Herne. "I repeat, you will wed another--and +more, I tell you, you are blinder than Richmond has shown himself--for +the most illustrious damsel in the kingdom has regarded you with eyes of +affection, and yet you have not perceived it." + +"The Princess Mary?" demanded Richmond. + +"Ay, the Princess Mary," repeated Herne. "How say you now, my +lord?--will you let ambition usurp the place of love?" + +"No," replied Surrey. "But I will hold no further converse with thee. +Thou wouldst tempt to perdition. Hence, fiend!" + +"Unless you trust yourself to my guidance, you will never reach your +chamber," rejoined Herne, with a mocking laugh. "The iron door in +the mound cannot be opened on this side, and you well know what the +consequence of a discovery will be. Come, or I leave you to your fate." +And he moved down the path on the right. + +"Go with him, Surrey," cried Richmond. + +Pressing the Fair Geraldine to his breast, the Earl committed her to the +charge of his friend, and tearing himself away, followed the steps of +the demon. He had not proceeded far when he heard his name pronounced by +a voice issuing from the tree above him. Looking up, he saw Herne in one +of the topmost branches, and at a sign, instantly climbed up to him. The +thick foliage screened them from observation, and Surrey concluded his +guide was awaiting the disappearance of the sentinel, who was at that +moment approaching the tree. But such apparently was not the other's +intentions; for the man had scarcely passed than Herne sprang upon the +ramparts, and the poor fellow turning at the sound, was almost scared +out of his senses at the sight of the dreaded fiend. Dropping his +halbert, he fell upon his face with a stifled cry Herne then motioned +Surrey to descend, and they marched together quickly to a low door +opening into the keep. Passing through it, and ascending a flight +of steps, they stood upon the landing at the top of the staircase +communicating with the Norman Tower, and adjoining the entrance to +Surrey's chamber. + +Apparently familiar with the spot, Herne took down a large key from a +nail in the wall, against which it hung, and unlocked the door. + +"Enter," he said to Surrey, "and do not forget the debt you owe to Herne +the Hunter." + +And as the earl stepped into the chamber, the door was locked behind +him. + + + + +II. + + How Sir Thomas Wyat found Mabel in the Sandstone Cave, and + what happened to him there + + +A week after the foregoing occurrence, the Earl of Surrey was set free. +But his joy at regaining his liberty was damped by learning that the +Fair Geraldine had departed for Ireland. She had left the tenderest +messages for him with his sister, the Lady Mary Howard, accompanied with +assurances of unalterable attachment. + +But other changes had taken place, which were calculated to afford him +some consolation. Ever since the night on which he had been told the +Lady Mary was not indifferent to him, Richmond had devoted himself +entirely to her; and matters had already proceeded so far, that he had +asked her in marriage of the Duke of Norfolk, who, after ascertaining +the king's pleasure on the subject, had gladly given his consent, and +the youthful pair were affianced to each other. Surrey and Richmond now +became closer friends than ever; and if, amid the thousand distractions +of Henry's gay and festive court, the young earl did not forget the +Fair Geraldine, he did not, at least, find the time hang heavily on his +hands. + +About a week after Wolsey's dismissal, while the court was still +sojourning at Windsor, Surrey proposed to Richmond to ride one morning +with him in the great park. The Duke willingly assented, and mounting +their steeds, they galloped towards Snow Hill, wholly unattended. While +mounting this charming ascent at a more leisurely pace, the earl said +to his companion, "I will now tell you why I proposed this ride to you, +Richmond. I have long determined to follow up the adventure of Herne the +Hunter, and I wish to confer with you about it, and ascertain whether +you are disposed to join me." + +"I know not what to say, Surrey," replied the duke gravely, and speaking +in a low tone. "The king, my father, failed in his endeavours to expel +the demon, who still lords it in the forest." + +"The greater glory to us if we succeed," said Surrey. + +"I will take counsel with Lady Mary on the subject before I give an +answer," rejoined Richmond. + +"Then there is little doubt what your grace's decision will be," laughed +Surrey. "To speak truth, it was the fear of your consulting her that +made me bring you here. What say you to a ride in the forest to-morrow +night?" + +"I have little fancy for it," replied Richmond; "and if you will be +ruled by me, you will not attempt the enterprise yourself." + +"My resolution is taken," said the earl; "but now, since we have reached +the brow of the hill, let us push forward to the lake." + +A rapid ride of some twenty minutes brought them to the edge of +the lake, and they proceeded along the verdant path leading to the +forester's hut. On arriving at the dwelling, it appeared wholly +deserted, but they nevertheless dismounted, and tying their horses +to the trees at the back of the cottage, entered it. While they were +examining the lower room, the plash of oars reached their ears, and +rushing to the window, they descried the skiff rapidly approaching the +shore. A man was seated within it, whose attire, though sombre, seemed +to proclaim him of some rank, but as his back was towards them, they +could not discern his features. In another instant the skiff touched the +strand, and the rower leaping ashore, proved to be Sir Thomas Wyat. +On making this discovery they both ran out to him, and the warmest +greetings passed between them. When these were over, Surrey expressed +his surprise to Wyat at seeing him there, declaring he was wholly +unaware of his return from the court of France. + +"I came back about a month ago," said Wyat. "His majesty supposes me at +Allington; nor shall I return to court without a summons." + +"I am not sorry to hear it," said Surrey; "but what are you doing here?" + +"My errand is a strange and adventurous one," replied Wyat. "You may +have heard that before I departed for France I passed some days in the +forest in company with Herne the Hunter. What then happened to me I may +not disclose; but I vowed never to rest till I have freed this forest +from the weird being who troubles it." + +"Say you so?" cried Surrey; "then you are most fortunately encountered, +Sir Thomas, for I myself, as Richmond will tell you, am equally bent +upon the fiend's expulsion. We will be companions in the adventure." + +"We will speak of that anon," replied Wyat. "I was sorry to find this +cottage uninhabited, and the fair damsel who dwelt within it, when I +beheld it last, gone. What has become of her? + +"It is a strange story," said Richmond. And he proceeded to relate all +that was known to have befallen Mabel. + +Wyat listened with profound attention to the recital, and at its close, +said, "I think I can find a clue to this mystery, but to obtain it I +must go alone. Meet me here at midnight to-morrow, and I doubt not we +shall be able to accomplish our design." + +"May I not ask for some explanation of your scheme?" said Surrey. + +"Not yet," rejoined Wyat. "But I will freely confess to you that there +is much danger in the enterprise--danger that I would not willingly any +one should share with me, especially you, Surrey, to whom I owe so much. +If you do not find me here, therefore, to-morrow night, conclude that I +have perished, or am captive." + +"Well, be it as you will, Wyat," said Surrey; "but I would gladly +accompany you, and share your danger." + +"I know it, and I thank you," returned Wyat, warmly grasping the other's +hand; "but much--nay, all--may remain to be done to-morrow night. You +had better bring some force with you, for we may need it." + +"I will bring half a dozen stout archers," replied Surrey--"and if you +come not, depend upon it, I will either release you or avenge you." + +"I did not intend to prosecute this adventure further," said Richmond; +"but since you are both resolved to embark in it, I will not desert +you." + +Soon after this, the friends separated,--Surrey and Richmond taking +horse and returning to the castle, discoursing on the unlooked--for +meeting with Wyat, while the latter again entered the skiff, and rowed +down the lake. As soon as the hut was clear, two persons descended the +steps of a ladder leading to a sort of loft in the roof, and sprang upon +the floor of the hut. + +"Ho! ho! Ho!" laughed the foremost, whose antlered helm and wild garb +proclaimed him to be Herne; "they little dreamed who were the hearers of +their conference. So they think to take me, Fenwolf--ha!" + +"They know not whom they have to deal with," rejoined the latter. + +"They should do so by this time," said Herne; "but I will tell thee why +Sir Thomas Wyat has undertaken this enterprise. It is not to capture me, +though that may be one object that moves him. But he wishes to see +Mabel Lyndwood. The momentary glimpse he caught of her bright eyes was +sufficient to inflame him." + +"Ah!" exclaimed Fenwolf, "think you so?" + +"I am assured of it," replied Herne. "He knows the secret of the cave, +and will find her there." + +"But he will never return to tell what he has seen," said Fenwolf +moodily. + +"I know not that," replied Herne. "I have my own views respecting him. I +want to renew my band." + +"He will never join you," rejoined Fenwolf. + +"What if I offer him Mabel as a bait?" said Herne. + +"You will not do so, dread master?" rejoined Fenwolf, trembling and +turning pale. "She belongs to me." + +"To thee, fool!" cried Herne, with a derisive laugh. "Thinkest thou I +would resign such a treasure to thee? No, no. But rest easy, I will not +give her to Wyat." + +"You mean her for yourself, then?" said Fenwolf. + +"Darest thou to question me?" cried Herne, striking him with the hand +armed with the iron gyves. "This to teach thee respect." + +And this to prove whether thou art mortal or rejoined Fenwolf, plucking +his hunting-knife from his belt, and striking it with all his force +against the other's breast. But though surely and forcibly dealt, the +blow glanced off as if the demon were cased in steel, and the intended +assassin fell back in amazement, while an unearthly laugh rang in his +ears. Never had Fenwolf seen Herne wear so formidable a look as he at +that moment assumed. His giant frame dilated, his eyes flashed fire, and +the expression of his countenance was so fearful that Fenwolf shielded +his eyes with his hands. + +"Ah, miserable dog!" thundered Herne; "dost thou think I am to be hurt +by mortal hands, or mortal weapons? Thy former experience should have +taught thee differently. But since thou hast provoked it, take thy +fate!" + +Uttering these words, he seized Fenwolf by the throat, clutching him +with a terrific gripe, and in a few seconds the miserable wretch would +have paid the penalty of his rashness, if a person had not at the moment +appeared at the doorway. Flinging his prey hastily backwards, Herne +turned at the interruption, and perceived old Tristram Lyndwood, who +looked appalled at what he beheld. + +"Ah, it is thou, Tristram?" cried Herne; "thou art just in time to +witness the punishment of this rebellious hound." + +"Spare him, dread master! oh, spare him!" cried Tristram imploringly. + +"Well," said Herne, gazing at the half-strangled caitiff, "he may +live. He will not offend again. But why hast thou ventured from thy +hiding-place, Tristram?" + +"I came to inform you that I have just observed a person row across the +lake in the skiff," replied the old man. "He appears to be taking the +direction of the secret entrance to the cave." + +"It is Sir Thomas Wyat," replied Herne, "I am aware of his proceedings. +Stay with Fenwolf till he is able to move, and then proceed with him to +the cave. But mark me, no violence must be done to Wyat if you find +him there. Any neglect of my orders in this respect will be followed by +severe punishment. I shall be at the cave ere long; but, meanwhile, I +have other business to transact." + +And quitting the hut, he plunged into the wood. + +Meanwhile, Sir Thomas Wyat, having crossed the lake, landed, and +fastened the skiff to a tree, struck into the wood, and presently +reached the open space in which lay the secret entrance to the cave. He +was not long in finding the stone, though it was so artfully concealed +by the brushwood that it would have escaped any uninstructed eye, and +removing it, the narrow entrance to the cave was revealed. + +Committing himself to the protection of Heaven, Wyat entered, and having +taken the precaution of drawing the stone after him, which was easily +accomplished by a handle fixed to the inner side of it, he commenced the +descent. At first, he had to creep along, but the passage gradually got +higher, until at length, on reaching the level ground, he was able to +stand upright. There was no light to guide him, but by feeling against +the sides of the passage, he found that he was in the long gallery he +had formerly threaded. Uncertain which way to turn, he determined to +trust to chance for taking the right direction, and drawing his sword, +proceeded slowly to the right. + +For some time he encountered no obstacle, neither could he detect the +slightest sound, but he perceived that the atmosphere grew damp, and +that the sides of the passage were covered with moisture. Thus warned, +he proceeded with great caution, and presently found, after emerging +into a more open space, and striking off on the left, that he had +arrived at the edge of the pool of water which he knew lay at the end of +the large cavern. + +While considering how he should next proceed, a faint gleam of light +became visible at the upper end of the vault. Changing his position, +for the pillars prevented him from seeing the source of the glimmer, he +discovered that it issued from a lamp borne by a female hand, who he had +no doubt was Mabel. On making this discovery, he sprang forwards, and +called to her, but instantly repented his rashness, for as he uttered +the cry the light was extinguished. + +Wyat was now completely at a loss how to proceed. He was satisfied that +Mabel was in the vault; but in what way to guide himself to her retreat +he could not tell, and it was evident she herself would not assist him. +Persuaded, however, if he could but make himself known, he should no +longer be shunned, he entered one of the lateral passages, and ever and +anon, as he proceeded, repeated Mabel's name in a low, soft tone. +The stratagem was successful. Presently he heard a light footstep +approaching him, and a gentle voice inquired--"Who calls me?" + +"A friend," replied Wyat. + +"Your name?" she demanded. + +"You will not know me if I declare myself, Mabel," he replied, "but I am +called Sir Thomas Wyat." + +"The name is well known to me," she replied, in trembling tones; "and I +have seen you once--at my grandfather's cottage. But why have you come +here? Do you know where you are? + +"I know that I am in the cave of Herne the Hunter," replied Wyat; "and +one of my motives for seeking it was to set you free. But there is +nothing to prevent your flight now." + +"Alas! there is," she replied. "I am chained here by bonds I cannot +break. Herne has declared that any attempt at escape on my part shall be +followed by the death of my grandsire. And he does not threaten idly, as +no doubt you know. Besides, the most terrible vengeance would fall on my +own head. No,--I cannot--dare not fly. But let us not talk in the dark. +Come with me to procure a light. Give me your hand, and I will lead you +to my cell." + +Taking the small, trembling hand offered him, Wyat followed his +conductress down the passage. A few steps brought them to a door, which +she pushed aside, and disclosed a small chamber, hewn out of the rock, +in a recess of which a lamp was burning. Lighting the lamp which she had +recently extinguished, she placed it on a rude table. + +"Have you been long a prisoner here?" asked Wyat, fixing his regards +upon her countenance, which, though it had lost somewhat of its bloom, +had gained much in interest and beauty. + +"For three months, I suppose," she replied; "but I am not able to +calculate the lapse of time. It has seemed very--very long. Oh that I +could behold the sun again, and breathe the fresh, pure air! + +"Come with me, and you shall do so," rejoined Wyat. + +"I have told you I cannot fly," she answered. "I cannot sacrifice my +grandsire." + +"But if he is leagued with this demon he deserves the worst fate that +can befall him," said Wyat. "You should think only of your own safety. +What can be the motive of your detention?" + +"I tremble to think of it," she replied; "but I fear that Herne has +conceived a passion for me." + +"Then indeed you must fly," cried Wyat; "such unhallowed love will tend +to perdition of soul and body." + +"Oh that there was any hope for me!" she ejaculated. + +"There is hope," replied Wyat. "I will protect you--will care for +you--will love you." + +"Love me!" exclaimed Mabel, a deep blush overspreading her pale +features. "You love another." + +"Absence has enabled me to overcome the vehemence of my passion," +replied Wyat, "and I feel that my heart is susceptible of new emotions. +But you, maiden," he added coldly, "you are captivated by the admiration +of the king." + +"My love, like yours, is past," she answered, with a faint smile; "but +if I were out of Herne's power I feel that I could love again, and +far more deeply than I loved before--for that, in fact, was rather the +result of vanity than of real regard." + +"Mabel," said Wyat, taking her hand, and gazing into her eyes, "if I set +you free, will you love me?" + +"I love you already," she replied; "but if that could be, my whole life +should be devoted to you. Ha!" she exclaimed with a sudden change of +tone, "footsteps are approaching; it is Fenwolf. Hide yourself within +that recess." + +Though doubting the prudence of the course, Wyat yielded to her +terrified and imploring looks, and concealed himself in the manner she +had indicated. He was scarcely ensconed in the recess, when the door +opened, and Morgan Fenwolf stepped in, followed by her grandfather. +Fenwolf gazed suspiciously round the little chamber, and then glanced +significantly at old Tristram, but he made no remark. + +"What brings you here?" demanded Mabel tremblingly. + +"You are wanted in the cave," said Fenwolf. + +"I will follow you anon," she replied. + +"You must come at once," rejoined Fenwolf authoritatively. "Herne will +become impatient." + +Upon this Mabel rose, and, without daring to cast a look towards the +spot where Wyat was concealed, quitted the cell with them. No sooner +were they all out, than Fenwolf, hastily shutting the door, turned the +key in the lock, and taking it out, exclaimed, "So we have secured you, +Sir Thomas Wyat. No fear of your revealing the secret of the cave now, +or flying with Mabel--ha! ha!" to here. + + + + +III. + + In what manner Herne declared his Passion for Mabel. + + +Utterly disregarding her cries and entreaties, Fenwolf dragged Mabel +into the great cavern, and forced her to take a seat on a bench near the +spot where a heap of ashes showed that the fire was ordinarily lighted. +All this while, her grandfather had averted his face from her, as if +fearing to meet her regards, and he now busied himself in striking a +light and setting fire to a pile of fagots and small logs of wood. + +"I thought you told me Herne was here," said Mabel in a tone of bitter +reproach, to Fenwolf, who seated himself beside her on the bench. + +"He will be here ere long," he replied sullenly. + +"Oh, do not detain Sir Thomas Wyat!" cried Mabel piteously; "do not +deliver him to your dread master! Do what you will with me--but let him +go." + +"I will tell you what I will do," replied Fenwolf, in a low tone; +"I will set Sir Thomas at liberty, and run all risks of Herne's +displeasure, if you will promise to be mine." + +Mabel replied by a look of unutterable disgust. + +"Then he will await Herne's coming where he is," rejoined Fenwolf. + +Saying which he arose, and, pushing a table near the bench, took the +remains of a huge venison pasty and a loaf from a hutch standing on one +side of the cavern. + +By this time Old Tristram, having succeeded in lighting the fire, placed +himself at the farther end of the table, and fell to work upon the +viands with Fenwolf. Mabel was pressed to partake of the repast, but she +declined the offer. A large stone bottle was next produced and emptied +of its contents by the pair, who seemed well contented with their +regale. + +Meanwhile Mabel was revolving the possibility of flight, and had more +than once determined to make an attempt, but fear restrained her. Her +grandsire, as has been stated, sedulously avoided her gaze, and turned a +deaf ear to her complaints and entreaties. But once, when Fenwolf's back +was turned, she caught him gazing at her with peculiar significance, and +then comprehended the meaning of his strange conduct. He evidently only +awaited an opportunity to assist her. + +Satisfied of this, she became more tranquil, and about an hour having +elapsed, during which nothing was said by the party, the low winding of +a horn was heard, and Fenwolf started to his feet, exclaiming-- + +"It is Herne!" + +The next moment the demon huntsman rode from one of the lateral passages +into the cave. He was mounted on a wild-looking black horse, with +flowing mane and tail, eyes glowing like carbuncles, and in all respects +resembling the sable steed he had lost in the forest. + +Springing to the ground, he exchanged a few words with Fenwolf in a low +tone, and delivering his steed to him, with orders to take it to the +stable, signed to Tristram to go with him, and approached Mabel. + +"So you have seen Sir Thomas Wyat, I find," he said, in a stern tone. + +Mabel made no answer, and did not even raise her eyes towards him. + +"And he has told you he loves you, and has urged you to fly with +him--ha?" pursued Herne. + +Mabel still did not dare to look up, but a deep blush overspread her +cheek. + +"He was mad to venture hither," continued Herne; "but having done so, he +must take the consequences." + +"You will not destroy him?" cried Mabel imploringly. + +"He will perish by a hand as terrible as mine," laughed Herne--"by that +of famine. He will never quit the dungeon alive unless--" + +"Unless what?" gasped Mabel. + +"Unless he is leagued with me," replied Herne. "And now let him pass, +for I would speak of myself. I have already told you that I love you, +and am resolved to make you mine. You shudder, but wherefore? It is +a glorious destiny to be the' bride of the wild hunter--the fiend who +rules the forest, and who, in his broad domain, is more powerful than +the king. The old forester, Robin Hood, had his maid Marian; and what +was he compared to me? He had neither my skill nor my power. Be mine, +and you shall accompany me on my midnight rides; shall watch the fleet +stag dart over the moonlight glade, or down the lengthened vista. You +shall feel all the unutterable excitement of the chase. You shall thread +with me the tangled grove, swim the river and the lake, and enjoy a +thousand pleasures hitherto unknown to you. Be mine, and I will make you +mistress of all my secrets, and compel the band whom I will gather round +me to pay you homage. Be mine, and you shall have power of life and +death over them, as if you were absolute queen. And from me, whom all +fear, and all obey, you shall have love and worship." + +"And he would have taken her hand; but she recoiled from horror. + +"Though I now inspire you with terror and aversion," pursued "the time +will come when you will love me as passionately as I was beloved by one +of whom you are the image." + +And she is dead? "asked Mabel, with curiosity. + +"Dead!" exclaimed Herne. "Thrice fifty years have flown since she dwelt +upon earth. The acorn which was shed in the forest has grown into a +lusty oak, while trees at that time in their pride have fallen and +decayed away. Dead!--yes, she has passed from all memory save mine, +where she will ever dwell. Generations of men have gone down to the +grave since her time--a succession of kings have lodged within the +castle but I am still a denizen of the forest. For crimes I then +committed I am doomed to wander within it, and I shall haunt it, unless +released, till the crack of doom." + +"Liberate me!" cried Mabel; "liberate your other prisoner and we will +pray for your release." + +"No more of this!" cried Herne fiercely. "If you would not call down +instant and terrible punishment on your head--punishment that I cannot +avert, and must inflict--you will mention nothing sacred in my hearing, +and never allude to prayer, I am beyond the reach of salvation." + +"Oh, say not so!" cried Mabel, in a tone of commiseration. "I will tell +you how my doom was accomplished," rejoined Herne wildly. "To gain +her of whom I have just spoken, and who was already vowed to Heaven, I +invoked the powers of darkness. I proffered my soul to the Evil One if +he would secure her to me, and the condition demanded by him was that I +should become what I am--the fiend of the forest, with power to terrify +and to tempt, and with other more fearful and fatal powers besides." + +"Oh!" exclaimed Mabel. + +"I grasped at the offer," pursued Herne. "She I loved became mine. But +she was speedily snatched from me by death, and since then I have known +no human passion except hatred and revenge. I have dwelt in this forest, +sometimes alone, sometimes at the head of a numerous band, but always +exerting a baneful influence over mankind. At last, I saw the image +of her I loved again appear before me, and the old passion was revived +within my breast. Chance has thrown you in my way, and mine you shall +be, Mabel." + +"I will die rather," she replied, with a shudder. + +"You cannot escape me," rejoined He me, with a triumphant laugh; "you +cannot avoid your fate. But I want not to deal harshly with you. I love +you, and would win you rather by persuasion than by force. Consent to be +mine, then, and I give Wyat his life and liberty." + +"I cannot--I cannot!" she replied. + +"Not only do I offer you Wyat's life as the price of your compliance," +persevered Herne; "but you shall have what ever else you may +seek--jewels, ornaments, costly attire, treasure--for of such I possess +a goodly store." + +"And of what use would they be to me here?" said Mabel. + +"I will not always confine you to this cave," replied Herne. "You shall +go where you please, and live as you please, but you must come to me +whenever I summon you." + +"And what of my grandsire?" she demanded. + +"Tristram Lyndwood is no relative of yours," replied Herne. "I will now +clear up the mystery that hangs over your birth. You are the offspring +of one who for years has exercised greater sway than the king within +this realm, but who is now disgraced and ruined, and nigh his end. His +priestly vows forbid him to own you, even if he desired to do so." + +"Have I seen him?" demanded Mabel. + +"You have," replied Herne; "and he has seen you--and little did he know +when he sought you out, that he was essaying to maintain his own power, +and overturn that of another, by the dishonour of his daughter--though +if he had done so," he added, with a scoffing laugh, "it might not have +restrained him." + +"I know whom you mean," said Mabel. "And is it possible he can be my +father?" + +"It is as I have told you," replied Herne. "You now know my resolve. +To-morrow at midnight our nuptials shall take place." + +"Nuptials!" echoed Mabel. + +"Ay, at that altar," he cried, pointing to the Druid pile of stones; +"there you shall vow yourself to me and I to you, before terrible +witnesses. I shall have no fear that you will break your oath. Reflect +upon what I have said." + +With this he placed the bugle to his lips, blew a low call upon it, and +Fenwolf and Tristram immediately answering the summons, he whispered +some instructions to the former, and disappeared down one of the side +passages. + +Fenwolf's, deportment was now more sullen than before. In vain did Mabel +inquire from him what Herne was about to do with Sir Thomas Wyat. He +returned no answer, and at last, wearied by her importunity, desired her +to hold her peace. Just then, Tristram quitted the cavern for a moment, +when he instantly changed his manner, and 'said to her quickly, "I +overheard what passed between you and Herne. Consent to be mine, and I +will deliver you from him." + +"That were to exchange one evil for another," she replied, "If you would +serve me, deliver Sir Thomas Wyat." + +"I will only deliver him on the terms I have mentioned," replied Fenwolf. + +At this moment, Tristram returned, and the conversation ceased. + +Fresh logs were then thrown on the fire by Fenwolf, and, at his request, +Tristram proceeded to a hole in the rock, which served as a sort of +larder, and brought from it some pieces of venison, which were broiled +upon the embers. + +At the close of the repast, of which she sparingly partook, Mabel was +conducted by Morgan Fenwolf into a small chamber opening out of the +great cavern, which was furnished like the cell she had lately occupied, +with a small straw pallet. Leaving her a lamp, Fenwolf locked the door, +and placed the key in his girdle. + + + + +IV. + + How Sir Thomas Wyat was visited by Herne in the Cell. + + +Made aware by the clangour of the lock, and Fenwolf's exulting laughter, +of the snare in which he had been caught, Sir Thomas Wyat instantly +sprang from his hiding-place, and rushed to the door; but being framed +of the stoutest oak, and strengthened with plates of iron, it defied all +his efforts, nerved as they were by rage and despair, to burst it +open. Mabel's shrieks, as she was dragged away, reached his ears, and +increased his anguish; and he called out loudly to her companions to +return, but his vociferations were only treated with derision. + +Finding it useless to struggle further, Wyat threw himself upon the +bench, and endeavoured to discover some means of deliverance from his +present hazardous position. He glanced round the cell to see whether +there was any other outlet than the doorway, but he could discern none, +except a narrow grated loophole opening upon the passage, and contrived, +doubtless, for the admission of air to the chamber. No dungeon could be +more secure. + +Raising the lamp, he examined every crevice, but all seemed solid stone. +The recess in which he had taken shelter proved to be a mere hollow in +the wall. In one corner lay a small straw pallet, which, no doubt, had +formed the couch of Mabel; and this, together with the stone bench and +rude table of the same material, constituted the sole furniture of the +place. + +Having taken this careful survey of the cell, Wyat again sat down upon +the bench with the conviction that escape was out of the question; and +he therefore endeavoured to prepare himself for the worst, for it was +more than probable he would be allowed to perish of starvation. To a +fiery nature like his, the dreadful uncertainty in which he was placed +was more difficult of endurance than bodily torture. And he was destined +to endure it long. Many hours flew by, during which nothing occurred to +relieve the terrible monotony of his situation. At length, in spite of +his anxiety, slumber stole upon him unawares; but it was filled with +frightful visions. + +How long he slept he knew not, but when he awoke, he found that the +cell must have been visited in the interval, for there was a manchet of +bread, part of a cold neck of venison, and a flask of wine on the table. +It was evident, therefore, that his captors did not mean to starve him, +and yielding to the promptings of appetite, he attacked the provisions, +determined to keep strict watch when his gaoler should next visit him. + +The repast finished, he again examined the cell, but with no better +success than before; and he felt almost certain, from the position in +which the bench was placed, that the visitor had not found entrance +through the door. + +After another long and dreary interval, finding that sleep was stealing +upon him fast, he placed the bench near the door, and leaned his back +against the latter, certain that in this position he should be awakened +if any one attempted to gain admittance in that way. His slumber was +again disturbed by fearful dreams; and he was at length aroused by a +touch upon the shoulder, while a deep voice shouted his own name in her +ears. + +Starting to his feet, and scarcely able to separate the reality from +the hideous phantasms that had troubled him, he found that the door was +still fastened, and the bench unremoved, while before him stood Herne +the Hunter. + +"Welcome again to my cave, Sir Thomas Wyat!" cried the demon, with a +mocking laugh. "I told you, on the night of the attempt upon the king, +that though you escaped him, you would not escape me. And so it has come +to pass. You are now wholly in my power, body and soul--ha! ha!" + +"I defy you, false fiend," replied Wyat. "I was mad enough to proffer +you my soul on certain conditions; but they have never been fulfilled." + +"They may yet be so," rejoined Herne. + +"No," replied Wyat, "I have purged my heart from the fierce and +unhallowed passion that swayed it. I desire no assistance from you." + +"If you have changed your mind, that is nought to me," rejoined the demon +derisively--"I shall hold you to your compact." + +"Again I say I renounce you, infernal spirit!" cried Wyat; "you may +destroy my body--but you can work no mischief to my soul." + +"You alarm yourself without reason, good Sir Thomas," replied Herne, in +a slightly sneering tone. "I am not the malignant being you suppose +me; neither am I bent upon fighting the battles of the enemy of mankind +against Heaven. I may be leagued with the powers of darkness, but I have +no wish to aid them; and I therefore leave you to take care of your soul +in your own way. What I desire from you is your service while living. +Now listen to the conditions I have to propose. You must bind yourself +by a terrible oath, the slightest infraction of which shall involve the +perdition of the soul you are so solicitous to preserve, not to disclose +aught you may see, or that may be imparted to you here. You must also +swear implicit obedience to me in all things--to execute any secret +commissions, of whatever nature, I may give you--to bring associates +to my band--and to join me in any enterprise I may propose. This oath +taken, you are free. Refuse it, and I leave you to perish." + +"I do refuse it," replied Wyat boldly. "I would die a thousand deaths +rather than so bind myself. Neither do I fear being left to perish here. +You shall not quit this cell without me." + +"You are a stout soldier, Sir Thomas Wyat," rejoined the demon, with a +scornful laugh; "but you are scarcely a match for Herne the Hunter, as +you will find, if you are rash enough to make the experiment. Beware!" +he exclaimed, in a voice of thunder, observing the knight lay his hand +upon his sword, "I am invulnerable, and you will, therefore, vainly +strike at me. Do not compel me to use the dread means, which I could +instantly employ, to subject you to my will. I mean you well, and would +rather serve than injure you. But I will not let you go, unless you +league yourself with me. Swear, therefore, obedience to me, and depart +hence to your friends, Surrey and Richmond, and tell them you have +failed to find me." + +"You know, then, of our meeting?" exclaimed Wyat. + +"Perfectly well," laughed Herne. "It is now eventide, and at midnight +the meeting will take place in the forester's hut. If you attend it not, +I will. They will be my prisoners as well as you. To preserve yourself +and save them, you must join me." + +"Before I return an answer," said Wyat, "I must know what has become of +Mabel Lyndwood." + +"Mabel Lyndwood is nought to you, Sir Thomas," rejoined Herne coldly. + +"She is so much to me that I will run a risk for her which I would not +run for myself," replied Wyat. "If I promise obedience to you, will you +liberate her? will you let her depart with me?" + +"No," said Herne peremptorily. "Banish all thoughts of her from your +breast. You will never behold her again. I will give you time for +reflection on my proposal. An hour before midnight I shall return, and +if I find you in the same mind, I abandon you to your fate." + +And with these words he stepped back towards the lower end of the cell. +Wyat instantly sprang after him, but before he could reach him a flash +of fire caused him to recoil, and to his horror and amazement, he beheld +the rock open, and yield a passage to the retreating figure. + +When the sulphureous smoke, with which the little cell was filled, had +in some degree cleared off, Wyat examined the sides of the rock, but +could not find the slightest trace of a secret outlet, and therefore +concluded that the disappearance of the demon had been effected by +magic. + + + + +V. + + How Mabel escaped from the Cave with Sir Thomas Wyat. + + +The next day Mabel was set at liberty by her gaoler, and the hours flew +by without the opportunity of escape, for which she sighed, occurring to +her. As night drew on, she became more anxious, and at last expressed a +wish to retire to her cell. When about to fasten the door, Fenwolf found +that the lock had got strained, and the bolts would not move, and he was +therefore obliged to content himself with placing a bench against it, on +which he took a seat. + +About an hour after Mabel's retirement, old Tristram offered to relieve +guard with Fenwolf, but this the other positively declined, and leaning +against the door, disposed himself to slumber. Tristram then threw +himself on the floor, and in a short time all seemed buried in repose. + +By-and-by, however, when Fenwolf's heavy breathing gave token of the +soundness of his sleep, Tristram raised himself upon his elbow, and +gazed round. The lamp placed upon the table imperfectly illumined the +cavern, for the fire which had been lighted to cook the evening meal +had gone out completely. Getting up cautiously, and drawing his +hunting-knife, the old man crept towards Fenwolf, apparently with the +intent of stabbing him, but he suddenly changed his resolution, and +dropped his arm. + +At that moment, as if preternaturally warned, Fenwolf opened his eyes, +and seeing the old forester standing by, sprang upon him, and seized him +by the throat. + +"Ah traitor!" he exclaimed; "what are you about to do?" + +"I am no traitor," replied the old man. "I heard a noise in the passage +leading to Wyat's cell, and was about to rouse you, when you awakened of +your own accord, probably disturbed by the noise." + +"It may be," replied Fenwolf, satisfied with the excuse, and +relinquishing his grasp. "I fancied I heard something in my dreams. But +come with me to Wyat's cell. I will not leave you here." + +And snatching up the lamp, he hurried with Tristram into the passage. +They were scarcely gone, when the door of the cell was opened by Mabel, +who had overheard what had passed; and so hurriedly did she issue +forth that she over-turned the bench, which fell to the ground with +a considerable clatter. She had only just time to replace it, and to +conceal herself in an adjoining passage, when Fenwolf rushed back into +the cavern. + +"It was a false alarm," he cried. "I saw Sir Thomas Wyat in his cell +through the loop-hole, and I have brought the key away with me. But I am +sure I heard a noise here." + +"It must have been mere fancy," said Tristram. "All is as we left it." + +"It seems so, certes," replied Fenwolf doubtfully. "But I will make +sure." + +While he placed his ear to the door, Mabel gave a signal to Tristram +that she was safe. Persuaded that he heard some sound in the chamber, +Fenwolf nodded to Tristram that all was right, and resumed his seat. + +In less than ten minutes he was again asleep. Mabel then emerged from +her concealment, and cautiously approached Tristram, who feigned, also, +to slumber. As she approached him, he rose noiselessly to his feet. + +"The plan has succeeded," he said in a low tone. "It was I who spoiled +the lock. But come with me. I will lead you out of the cavern." + +"Not without Sir Thomas Wyat," she replied; "I will not leave him here." + +"You will only expose yourself to risk, and fail to deliver him," +rejoined Tristram. "Fenwolf has the key of his cell. Nay, if you are +determined upon it, I will not hinder you. But you must find your own +way out, for I shall not assist Sir Thomas Wyat." + +Motioning him to silence, Mabel crept slowly, and on the points of her +feet, towards Fenwolf. + +The key was in his girdle. Leaning over him, she suddenly and +dexterously plucked it forth. + +At the very moment she possessed herself of it, Fenwolf stirred, and she +dived down, and concealed herself beneath the table. Fenwolf, who had +been only slightly disturbed, looked up, and seeing Tristram in his +former position, which he had resumed when Mabel commenced her task, +again disposed himself to slumber. + +Waiting till she was assured of the soundness of his repose, Mabel crept +from under the table, signed to Tristram to remain where he was, and +glided with swift and noiseless footsteps down the passage leading to +the cell. + +In a moment, she was at the door--the key was in the lock--and she stood +before Sir Thomas Wyat. + +A few words sufficed to explain to the astonished knight how she came +there, and comprehending that not a moment was to be lost, he followed +her forth. + +In the passage, they held a brief consultation together in a low tone, +as to the best means of escape, for they deemed it useless to apply to +Tristram. The outlet with which Sir Thomas Wyat was acquainted lay +on the other side of the cavern; nor did he know how to discover the +particular passage leading to it. + +As to Mabel, she could offer no information, but she knew that the +stable lay in an adjoining passage. + +Recollecting, from former experience, how well the steeds were trained, +Sir Thomas Wyat eagerly caught at the suggestion, and Mabel led him +farther down the passage, and striking off through an opening on the +left, brought him, after a few turns, to a large chamber, in which two +or three black horses were kept. + +Loosening one of them, Wyat placed a bridle on his neck, sprang upon his +back, and took up Mabel beside him. He then struck his heels against the +sides of the animal, who needed no further incitement to dash along the +passage, and in a few seconds brought them into the cavern. + +The trampling of the horse wakened Fenwolf, who started to his feet, +and ran after them, shouting furiously. But he was too late. Goaded +by Wyat's dagger, the steed dashed furiously on, and plunging with its +double burden into the pool at the bottom of the cavern, disappeared. + + + + +VI. + + Of the Desperate Resolution formed by Tristram and Fenwolf, + and how the Train was laid. + + +Transported with rage at the escape of the fugitives, Fenwolf turned to +old Tristram, and drawing his knife, threatened to make an end of him. +But the old man, who was armed with a short hunting-sword, stood upon +his defence, and they remained brandishing their weapons at each other +for some minutes, but without striking a blow. + +"Well, I leave you to Herne's vengeance," said Fenwolf, returning his +knife to his belt. "You will pay dearly for allowing them to escape." + +"I will take my chance," replied Tristram moodily: "my mind is made up +to the worst. I will no longer serve this fiend." + +"What! dare you break your oath?" cried Fenwolf. "Remember the terrible +consequences." + +"I care not for them," replied Tristram. "Harkee, Fenwolf: I know you +will not betray me, for you hate him as much as I do, and have as great +a desire for revenge. I will rid the forest of this fell being." + +"Would you could make good your words, old man!" cried Fenwolf. "I would +give my life for vengeance upon him." + +"I take the offer," said Tristram; "you shall have vengeance." + +"But how?" cried the other. "I have proved that he is invulnerable and +the prints of his hands are written in black characters upon my throat. +If we could capture him, and deliver him to the king, we might purchase +our own pardon." + +"No, that can never be," said Tristram. "My plan is to destroy him." + +"Well, let me hear it," said Fenwolf. + +"Come with me, then," rejoined Tristram. + +And taking up the lamp, he led the way down a narrow lateral passage. +When about half-way down it, he stopped before a low door, cased with +iron, which he opened, and showed that the recess was filled with large +canvas bags. + +"Why, this is the powder-magazine," said Fenwolf. "I can now guess how +you mean to destroy Herne. I like the scheme well enough; but it cannot +be executed without certain destruction to ourselves." + +"I will take all the risk upon myself," said Tristram, "I only require +your aid in the preparations. What I propose to do is this. There is +powder enough in the magazine, not only to blow up the cave, but to set +fire to all the wood surrounding it. It must be scattered among the dry +brush-wood in a great circle round the cave, and connected by a train +with this magazine. When Herne comes hack, I will fire the train." + +"There is much hazard in the scheme, and I fear it will fail," replied +Fenwolf, after a pause, "nevertheless, I will assist you." + +"Then, let us go to work at once," said Tristram, "for we have no time +to lose. Herne will be here before midnight, and I should like to have +all ready for him." + +Accordingly, they each shouldered a couple of the bags, and returning +to the cavern, threaded a narrow passage, and emerged from the secret +entrance in the grove. + +While Fenwolf descended for a fresh supply of powder, Tristram +commenced operations. Though autumn was now far advanced, there had +been remarkably fine weather of late; the ground was thickly strewn with +yellow leaves, the fern was brown and dry, and the brushwood crackled +and broke as a passage was forced through it. The very trees were +parched by the long-continued drought. Thus favoured in his design, +Tristram scattered the contents of one of the bags in a thick line among +the fern and brushwood, depositing here and there among the roots of a +tree, several pounds of powder, and covering the heaps over with dried +sticks and leaves. + +While he was thus employed, Fenwolf appeared with two more bags of +powder, and descended again for a fresh supply. When he returned, laden +as before, the old forester had already described a large portion of the +circle he intended to take. + +Judging that there was now powder sufficient, Tristram explained to his +companion how to proceed; and the other commenced laying a train on the +left of the secret entrance, carefully observing the instructions given +him. In less than an hour, they met together at a particular tree, and +the formidable circle was complete. + +"So far, well!" said Tristram, emptying the contents of his bag beneath +the tree, and covering it with leaves and sticks, as before; "and now to +connect this with the cavern." + +With this, he opened another bag, and drew a wide train towards the +centre of the space. At length, he paused at the foot of a large hollow +tree. + +"I have ascertained," he said, "that this tree stands immediately over +the magazine; and by following this rabbit's burrow, I have contrived +to make a small entrance into it. A hollow reed introduced through the +hole, and filled with powder, will be sure to reach the store below." + +"An excellent ideal," replied Fenwolf. "I will fetch one instantly." + +And starting off to the side of the lake, he presently returned with +several long reeds, one of which was selected by Tristram and thrust +into the burrow. It proved of the precise length required; and as soon +as it touched the bottom, it was carefully filled with powder from a +horn. Having connected this tube with the side train, and scattered +powder for several yards around, so as to secure instantaneous ignition, +Tristram pronounced that the train was complete. + +"We have now laid a trap from which Herne will scarcely escape," he +observed, with a moody laugh, to Fenwolf. + +They then prepared to return to the cave, but had not proceeded many +yards, when Herne, mounted on his sable steed, burst through the trees. + +"Ah! what make you here?" he cried, instantly checking his career. "I +bade you keep a strict watch over Mabel. Where is she?" + +"She has escaped with Sir Thomas Wyat," replied Fenwolf, "and we have +been in search of them." + +"Escaped!" exclaimed Herne, springing from his steed, and rushing up +to him; "dogs! you have played me false. But your lives shall pay the +penalty of your perfidy." + +"We had no hand in it whatever," replied Fenwolf doggedly. "She +contrived to get out of a chamber in which I placed her, and to liberate +Sir Thomas Wyat. They then procured a steed from the stable, and plunged +through the pool into the lake." + +"Hell's malison upon them, and upon you both!" cried Herne. "But you +shall pay dearly for your heedlessness,--if, indeed, it has not been +something worse. How long have they been gone?" + +"It may be two hours," replied Fenwolf. + +"Go to the cave," cried Herne, "and await my return there; and if I +recover not the prize, woe betide you both!" + +And with these words, he vaunted upon his steed and disappeared. + +"And woe betide you too, false fiend!" cried Fenwolf. "When you come +back you shall meet with a welcome you little expect. Would we had fired +the train, Tristram, even though we had perished with him!" + +"It will be time enough to fire it on his return," replied the old +forester; "it is but postponing our vengeance for a short time. And now +to fix our positions. I will take my station in yon brake." + +"And I in that hollow tree," said Fenwolf. "Whoever first beholds him +shall fire the train." + +"Agreed!" replied Tristram. "Let us now descend to the cave and see that +all is right in the magazine, and then we will return and hold ourselves +in readiness for action." + + + + +VII. + + How the Train was fired, and what followed the Explosion. + + +About ten o'clock in the night under consideration, Surrey and Richmond, +accompanied by the Duke of Shoreditch, and half a dozen other archers, +set out from the castle, and took their way along the great park, in the +direction of the lake. + +They had not ridden far, when they were overtaken by two horsemen who, +as far as they could be discerned in that doubtful light, appeared +stalwart personages, and well mounted, though plainly attired. The +new-comers very unceremoniously joined them. + +"There are ill reports of the park, my masters," said the foremost of +these persons to Surrey, "and we would willingly ride with you across +it." + +"But our way may not be yours, friend," replied Surrey, who did not +altogether relish this proposal. "We are not going farther than the +lake." + +"Our road lies in that direction," replied the other, "and, if you +please, we will bear you company as far as we go. Come, tell me +frankly," he added, after a pause, "are you not in search of Herne the +Hunter?" + +"Why do you ask, friend?" rejoined the earl somewhat angrily. + +"Because if so," replied the other, "I shall be right glad to join you, +and so will my friend, Tony Cryspyn, who is close behind me. I have an +old grudge to settle with this Herne, who has more than once attacked +me, and I shall be glad to pay it." + +"If you will take my advice, Hugh Dacre, you will ride on, and leave +the achievement of the adventure to these young galliards," interposed +Cryspyn. + +"Nay, by the mass! that shall never be," rejoined Dacre, "if they have +no objection to our joining them. If they have, they have only to say +so, and we will go on." + +"I will be plain with you, my masters," said Surrey. "We are determined +this night, as you have rightly conjectured, to seek out Herne the +Hunter; and we hope to obtain such clue to him as will ensure his +capture. If, therefore, you are anxious to join us, we shall be glad of +your aid. But you must be content to follow, and not lead--and to act +as you are directed--or you will only be in the way, and we would rather +dispense with your company." + +"We are content with the terms--are we not, Tony?" said Dacre. + +His companion answered somewhat sullenly in the affirmative. + +"And now that the matter is arranged, may I ask when you propose to go?" +he continued. + +"We are on our way to a hut on the lake, where we expect a companion to +join us," replied Surrey. + +"What! Tristram Lyndwood's cottage?" demanded Dacre. + +"Ay," replied the earl, "and we hope to recover his fair granddaughter +from the power of the demon." + +"Ha! say you so?" cried Dacre; "that were a feat, indeed!" + +The two strangers then rode apart for a few moments, and conversed +together in a low tone, during which Richmond expressed his doubts of +them to Surrey, adding that he was determined to get rid of them. + +The new-comers, however, were not easily shaken off. As soon as they +perceived the duke's design, they stuck more pertinaciously to him and +the earl than before, and made it evident they would not be dismissed. + +By this time they had passed Spring Hill, and were within a mile of +the valley in which lay the marsh, when a cry for help was heard in +the thicket on the left, and the troop immediately halted. The cry was +repeated, and Surrey, bidding the others follow him, dashed off in the +direction of the sound. + +Presently, they perceived two figures beneath the trees, whom they +found, on a nearer approach, were Sir Thomas Wyat, with Mabel in a state +of insensibility in his arms. + +Dismounting by the side of his friend, Surrey hastily demanded how he +came there, and what had happened? + +"It is too long a story to relate now," said Wyat; "but the sum of it +is, that I have escaped, by the aid of this damsel, from the clutches +of the demon. Our escape was effected on horseback, and we had to plunge +into the lake. The immersion deprived my fair preserver of sensibility, +so that as soon as I landed, and gained a covert where I fancied +myself secure, I dismounted, and tried to restore her. While I was thus +occupied, the steed I had brought with me broke his bridle, and darted +off into the woods. After a while, Mabel opened her eyes, but she was so +weak that she could not move, and I was fain to make her a couch in the +fern, in the hope that she would speedily revive. But the fright and +suffering had been too much for her, and a succession of fainting-fits +followed, during which I thought she would expire. This is all. Now, let +us prepare a litter for her, and convey her where proper assistance can +be rendered." + +Meanwhile, the others had come up, and Hugh Dacre, flinging himself from +his horse, and pushing Surrey somewhat rudely aside, advanced towards +Mabel, and, taking her hand, said, in a voice of some emotion, "Alas! +poor girl! I did not expect to meet thee again in this state." + +"You knew her, then?" said Surrey. + +Dacre muttered an affirmative. + +"Who is this man?" asked Wyat of the earl. + +"I know him not," answered Surrey. "He joined us on the road hither." + +"I am well known to Sir Thomas Wyat," replied Dacre, in a significant +tone, "as he will avouch when I recall certain matters to his mind. But +do not let us lose time here. This damsel claims our first attention. +She must be conveyed to a place of safety, and where she can be well +tended. We can then return to search for Herne." + +Upon this, a litter of branches were speedily made, and Mabel being laid +upon it, the simple conveyance was sustained by four of the archers. +The little cavalcade then quitted the thicket, and began to retrace its +course towards the castle. Wyat had been accommodated with a horse by +one of the archers, and rode in a melancholy manner by the side of the +litter. + +They had got back nearly as far as the brow of Spring Hill, when a +horseman, in a wild garb, and mounted on a coal black steed, lashed +suddenly and at a furious pace, out of the trees on the right. He +made towards the litter, over-turning Sir Thomas Wyat, and before any +opposition could be offered him, seized the inanimate form of Mabel, and +placing her before him on his steed, dashed off as swiftly as he came, +and with a burst of loud, exulting laughter. + +"It is Herne! it is Herne!" burst from every lip. And they all started +in pursuit, urging the horses to their utmost speed. Sir Thomas Wyat had +instantly remounted his steed, and he came up with the others. + +Herne's triumphant and demoniacal laugh was heard as he scoured with +the swiftness of the wind down the long glade. But the fiercest +determination animated his pursuers, who, being all admirably mounted, +managed to keep him fully in view. + +Away! away! he speeded in the direction of the lake; and after him they +thundered, straining every sinew in the desperate chase. It was a wild +and extraordinary sight, and partook of the fantastical character of a +dream. + +At length Herne reached the acclivity, at the foot of which lay the +waters of the lake glimmering in the starlight; and by the time he had +descended to its foot, his pursuers had gained its brow. + +The exertions made by Sir Thomas Wyat had brought him a little in +advance of the others. Furiously goading his horse, he dashed down the +hillside at a terrific pace. + +All at once, as he kept his eye on the flying figure of the demon, he +was startled by a sudden burst of flame in the valley. A wide circle +of light was rapidly described, a rumbling sound was heard like that +preceding an earth-quake, and a tremendous explosion followed, hurling +trees and fragments of rock into the air. + +Astounded at the extraordinary occurrence, and not knowing what might +ensue, the pursuers reined in their steeds. But the terror of the scene +was not yet over. The whole of the brushwood had caught fire, and blazed +up with the fury and swiftness of lighted flax. The flames caught the +parched branches of the trees, and in a few seconds the whole grove was +on fire. + +The sight was awfully grand, for the wind, which was blowing strongly, +swept the flames forward, so that they devoured all before them. + +When the first flash was seen the demon had checked his steed and backed +him, so that he had escaped without injury, and he stood at the edge of +the flaming circle watching the progress of the devastating element; but +at last, finding that his pursuers had taken heart and were approaching +him, he bestirred himself, and rode round the blazing zone. + +Having by this time recovered from their surprise, Wyat and Surrey +dashed after him, and got so near him that they made sure of his +capture. But at the very moment they expected to reach him, he turned +his horse's head, and forced him to leap over the blazing boundary. + +In vain the pursuers attempted to follow. Their horses refused to +encounter the flames; while Wyat's steed, urged on by its frantic +master, reared bolt upright, and dislodged him. + +But the demon held on his way, apparently unscathed in the midst of the +flames, casting a look of grim defiance at his pursuers. As he passed +a tree, from which volumes of fire were bursting, the most appalling +shrieks reached his ear, and he beheld Morgan Fenwolf emerging from a +hole in the trunk. But without bestowing more than a glance upon his +unfortunate follower, he dashed forward, and becoming involved in the +wreaths of flame and smoke, was lost to sight. + +Attracted by Fenwolf's cries, the beholders perceived him crawl out of +the hole, and clamber into the upper part of the tree, where he roared +to them most piteously for aid. But even if they had been disposed +to render it, it was impossible to do so now; and after terrible and +protracted suffering, the poor wretch, half stifled with smoke, and +unable longer to maintain his hold of the branch to which he crept, fell +into the flames beneath, and perished. + +Attributing its outbreak to supernatural agency, the party gazed on in +wonder at the fire, and rode round it as closely as their steeds would +allow them. But though they tarried till the flames had abated, and +little was left of the noble grove but a collection of charred and +smoking stumps, nothing was seen of the fiend or of the hapless girl +he had carried off. It served to confirm the notion of the supernatural +origin of the fire, in that it was confined within the mystic circle, +and did not extend farther into the woods. + +At the time that the flames first burst forth, and revealed the +countenances of the lookers--on, it was discovered that the self-styled +Dacre and Cryspyn were no other than the king and the Duke of Suffolk. + +"If this mysterious being is mortal, he must have perished now," +observed Henry; "and if he is not, it is useless to seek for him +further." + +Day had begun to break as the party quitted the scene of devastation. +The king and Suffolk, with the archers, returned to the castle; but +Wyat, Surrey, and Richmond rode towards the lake, and proceeded along +its banks in the direction of the forester's hut. + +Their progress was suddenly arrested by the sound of lamentation, and +they perceived, in a little bay overhung by trees, which screened it +from the path, an old man kneeling beside the body of a female, which +he had partly dragged out of the lake. It was Tristram Lyndwood, and the +body was that of Mabel. Her tresses were dishevelled, and dripping with +wet, as were her garments; and her features white as marble. The old man +was weeping bitterly. + +With Wyat, to dismount and grasp the cold hand of the hapless maiden was +the work of a moment. + +"She is dead!" he cried, in a despairing voice, removing the dank +tresses from her brow, and imprinting a reverent kiss upon it. +"Dead!--lost to me for ever!" + +"I found her entangled among those water-weeds," said Tristram, in tones +broken by emotion, "and had just dragged her to shore when you came up. +As you hope to prosper, now and hereafter, give her a decent burial. For +me all is over." + +And, with a lamentable cry, he plunged into the lake, struck out to a +short distance, and then sank to rise no more. + + +THUS ENDS THE FIFTH BOOK OF THE CHRONICLE OF WINDSOR CASTLE + + + + + +BOOK VI. JANE SEYMOUR + + + + +I. + + Of Henry's Attachment to Jane Seymour. + + +ON the anniversary of Saint George, 1536, and exactly seven years from +the opening of this chronicle, Henry assembled the knights-companions +within Windsor Castle to hold the grand feast of the most noble Order of +the Garter. + +Many important events had occurred in the wide interval thus suffered +to elapse. Wolsey had long since sunk under his reverses--for he never +regained the royal favour after his dismissal--and had expired at +Leicester Abbey, on the 26th November 1530. + +But the sufferings of Catherine of Arragon were prolonged up to the +commencement of the year under consideration. After the divorce and the +elevation of Anne Boleyn to the throne in her stead, she withdrew to +Kimbolten Castle, where she dwelt in the greatest retirement, under the +style of the Princess Dowager. Finding her end approaching, she sent +a humble message to the king, imploring him to allow her one last +interview with her daughter, that she might bestow her blessing upon +her; but the request was refused. + +A touching letter, however, which she wrote to the king on her +death-bed, moved him to tears; and having ejaculated a few expressions +of his sense of her many noble qualities, he retired to his closet +to indulge his grief in secret. Solemn obsequies were ordered to be +performed at Windsor and Greenwich on the day of her interment, and the +king and the whole of his retinue put on mourning for her. + +With this arrangement Anne Boleyn cared not to comply. Though she +had attained the summit of her ambition; though the divorce had been +pronounced, and she was crowned queen; though she had given birth to a +daughter--the Princess Elizabeth, afterwards the illustrious queen of +that name two years before; and though she could have no reasonable +apprehensions from her, the injured Catherine, during her lifetime, +had always been an object of dread to her. She heard of her death +with undisguised satisfaction, clapped her hands, exclaiming to her +attendants, "Now I am indeed queen!" and put the crowning point to her +unfeeling conduct by decorating herself and her dames in the gayest +apparel on the day of the funeral. + +Alas! she little knew that at that very moment the work of retribution +commenced, and that the wrongs of the injured queen, whose memory she +thus outraged, were soon to be terribly and bloodily avenged. + +Other changes had likewise taken place, which may be here recorded. The +Earl of Surrey had made the tour of France, Italy, and the Empire, +and had fully kept his word, by proclaiming the supremacy of the Fair +Geraldine's beauty at all tilts and tournaments, at which he constantly +bore away the prize. But the greatest reward, and that which he hoped +would crown his fidelity--the hand of his mistress--was not reserved for +him. + +At the expiration of three years, he returned home, polished by travel, +and accounted one of the bravest and most accomplished cavaliers of the +day. His reputation had preceded him, and he was received with marks of +the highest distinction and favour by Henry, as well as by Anne Boleyn. +But the king was still averse to the match, and forbade the Fair +Geraldine to return to court. + +Finding so much opposition on all sides, the earl was at last brought to +assent to the wish of the Fair Geraldine, that their engagement should +be broken off. In her letters, she assured him that her love had +undergone no abatement--and never would do so--but that she felt they +must give up all idea of an union. + +These letters, probably the result of some manoeuvring on his own part, +set on foot by the royal mandate, were warmly seconded by the Duke of +Norfolk, and after many and long solicitations, he succeeded in wringing +from his son a reluctant acquiescence to the arrangement. + +The disappointment produced its natural consequences on the ardent +temperament of the young earl, and completely chilled and blighted his +feelings. He became moody and discontented; took little share in the +amusement and pastimes going forward; and from being the blithest +cavalier at court, became the saddest. The change in his demeanour did +not escape the notice of Anne Boleyn, who easily divined the cause, and +she essayed by raillery and other arts to wean him from his grief. But +all was for some time of no avail. The earl continued inconsolable. At +last, however, by the instrumentality of the queen and his father, he +was contracted to the Lady Frances Vere, daughter of the Earl of Oxford, +and was married to her in 1535. + +Long before this the Duke of Richmond had been wedded to the Lady Mary +Howard. + +For some time previous to the present era of this chronicle, Anne Boleyn +had observed a growing coolness towards her on the part of the king, +and latterly it had become evident that his passion for her was fast +subsiding, if indeed it had not altogether expired. + +Though Anne had never truly loved her royal consort, and though at that +very time she was secretly encouraging the regards of another, she +felt troubled by this change, and watched all the king's movements +with jealous anxiety, to ascertain if any one had supplanted her in his +affections. + +At length her vigilance was rewarded by discovering a rival in one +of the loveliest of her dames, Jane Seymour. This fair creature, the +daughter of Sir John Seymour, of Wolff Hall, in Wiltshire, and who was +afterwards, it is almost needless to say, raised to as high a dignity +as Anne Boleyn herself, was now in the very pride of her beauty. Tall, +exquisitely proportioned, with a complexion of the utmost brilliancy and +delicacy, large liquid blue eyes, bright chestnut tresses, and lovely +features, she possessed charms that could not fall to captivate the +amorous monarch. It seems marvellous that Anne Boleyn should have such +an attendant; but perhaps she felt confident in her own attractions. + +Skilled in intrigue herself, Anne, now that her eyes were opened, +perceived all the allurements thrown out by Jane to ensnare the king, +and she intercepted many a furtive glance between them. Still she did +not dare to interfere. The fierceness of Henry's temper kept her in awe, +and she knew well that the slightest opposition would only make him the +more determined to run counter to her will. Trusting, therefore, to get +rid of Jane Seymour by some stratagem, she resolved not to attempt to +dismiss her, except as a last resource. + +A slight incident occurred, which occasioned a departure from the +prudent course she had laid down to herself. + +Accompanied by her dames, she was traversing the great gallery of the +palace at Greenwich, when she caught the reflection of Jane Seymour, +who was following her, in a mirror, regarding a jewelled miniature. +She instantly turned round at the sight, and Jane, in great confusion, +thrust the picture into her bosom. + +"Ah I what have you there?" cried Anne. + +"A picture of my father, Sir John Seymour," replied Jane, blushing +deeply. + +"Let me look at it," cried Anne, snatching the picture from her. "Ah! +call you this your father? To my thinking it is much more like my royal +husband. Answer me frankly, minion--answer me, as you value your life! +Did the king give you this?" + +"I must decline answering the question," replied Jane, who by this time +had recovered her composure. + +"Ah! am I to be thus insolently treated by one of my own dames?" cried +Anne. + +"I intend no disrespect to your majesty," replied Jane, "and I will, +since you insist upon it, freely confess that I received the portrait +from the king. I did not conceive there could be any harm in doing so, +because I saw your majesty present your own portrait, the other day, to +Sir Henry Norris." + +Anne Boleyn turned as pale as death, and Jane Seymour perceived that she +had her in her power. + +"I gave the portrait to Sir Henry as a recompense for an important +service he rendered me," said Anne, after a slight pause. + +"No doubt," replied Jane; "and I marvel not that he should press it so +fervently to his lips, seeing he must value the gift highly. The king +likewise bestowed his portrait upon me for rendering him a service." + +"And what was that?" asked Anne. + +"Nay, there your majesty must hold me excused," replied the other. "It +were to betray his highness's confidence to declare it. I must refer you +to him for explanation." + +"Well, you are in the right to keep the secret," said Anne, forcing a +laugh. "I dare say there is no harm in the portrait--indeed, I am +sure there is not, if it was given with the same intent that mine was +bestowed upon Norris. And so we will say no more upon the matter, except +that I beg you to be discreet with the king. If others should comment +upon your conduct, I may be compelled to dismiss you." + +"Your majesty shall be obeyed," said Jane, with a look that intimated +that the request had but slight weight with her. + +"Catherine will be avenged by means of this woman," muttered Anne as +she turned away. "I already feel some of the torments with which she +threatened me. And she suspects Norris. I must impress more caution +on him. Ah! when a man loves deeply, as he loves me, due restraint is +seldom maintained." + +But though alarmed, Anne was by no means aware of the critical position +in which she stood. She could not persuade herself that she had +entirely lost her influence with the king; and she thought that when his +momentary passion had subsided, it would return to its old channels. + +She was mistaken. Jane Seymour was absolute mistress of his heart; and +Anne was now as great a bar to him as she had before been an attraction. +Had her conduct been irreproachable, it might have been difficult to +remove her; but, unfortunately, she had placed herself at his mercy, by +yielding to the impulses of vanity, and secretly encouraging the passion +of Sir Henry Norris, groom of the stole. + +This favoured personage was somewhat above the middle Size, squarely and +strongly built. His features were regularly and finely formed, and he +had a ruddy complexion, brown curling hair, good teeth, and fine eyes +of a clear blue. He possessed great personal strength, was expert in all +manly exercises, and shone especially at the jousts and the manege. He +was of an ardent temperament, and Anne Boleyn had inspired him with so +desperate a passion that he set at nought the fearful risk he ran to +obtain her favour. + +In all this seemed traceable the hand of fate--in Henry's passion for +Jane Seymour, and Anne's insane regard for Norris--as if in this way, +and by the same means in which she herself had been wronged, the injured +Catherine of Arragon was to be avenged. + +How far Henry's suspicions of his consort's regard for Norris had been +roused did not at the time appear. Whatever he felt in secret, he took +care that no outward manifestation should betray him. On the contrary he +loaded Norris, who had always been a favourite with him, with new marks +of regard, and encouraged rather than interdicted his approach to the +queen. + +Things were in this state when the court proceeded to Windsor, as before +related, on Saint George's day. + + + + +II. + + How Anne Boleyn received Proof of Henry's Passion for Jane + Seymour. + + +On the day after the solemnisation of the Grand Feast of the Order of +the Garter, a masqued fete of great splendour and magnificence was held +within the castle. The whole of the state apartments were thrown open to +the distinguished guests, and universal gaiety prevailed. No restraint +was offered to the festivity by the king, for though he was known to be +present, he did not choose to declare himself. + +The queen sat apart on a fauteuil in the deep embrasure of a window; and +as various companies of fantastic characters advanced towards her, +she more than once fancied she detected amongst them the king, but the +voices convinced her of her mistake. As the evening was wearing, a mask +in a blue domino drew near her, and whispered in a devoted and familiar +tone, "My queen!" + +"Is it you, Norris?" demanded Anne, under her breath. + +"It is," he replied. "Oh, madam! I have been gazing at you the whole +evening, but have not dared to approach you till now." + +"I am sorry you have addressed me at all, Norris," she rejoined. "Your +regard for me has been noticed by others, and may reach the king's ears. +You must promise never to address me in the language of passion again." + +"If I may not utter my love I shall go mad," replied Norris. "After +raising me to the verge of Paradise, do not thrust me to the depths of +Tartarus." + +"I have neither raised you nor do I cast you down," rejoined Anne. +"That I am sensible of your devotion, and grateful for it, I admit, but +nothing more. My love and allegiance are due to the king." + +"True," replied Norris bitterly; "they are so, but he is wholly +insensible to your merits. At this very moment he is pouring his +love-vows in the ear of Jane Seymour." + +"Ah! is he so?" cried Anne. "Let me have proof of his perfidy, and I may +incline a more favourable ear to you." + +"I will instantly obtain you the proof, madam," replied Norris, bowing +and departing. + +Scarcely had he quitted the queen, and mixed with the throng of dancers, +than he felt a pressure upon his arm, and turning at the touch, beheld +a tall monk, the lower part of whose face was muffled up, leaving only a +pair of fierce black eyes and a large aquiline nose visible. + +"I know what you want, Sir Henry Norris," said the tall monk in a +low deep voice; "you wish to give the queen proof of her royal lord's +inconstancy. It is easily done. Come with me." + +"Who are you?" demanded Norris doubtfully. + +"What matters it who I am?" rejoined the other; "I am one of the +masquers, and chance to know what is passing around me. I do not inquire +into your motives, and therefore you have no right to inquire into +mine." + +"It is not for my own satisfaction that I desire this proof," said +Norris, "because I would rather shield the king's indiscretions than +betray them. But the queen has conceived suspicions which she is +determined to verify." + +"Think not to impose upon me," replied the monk with a sneer. "Bring the +queen this way, and she shall be fully satisfied." + +"I can run no risk in trusting you," said Norris, "and therefore I +accept your offer." + +"Say no more," cried the monk disdainfully, "I will await you here." + +And Norris returned to the queen. + +"Have you discovered anything?" she cried. + +"Come with me, madam," said Norris, bowing and taking her hand. + +Proceeding thus they glided through the throng of dancers, who +respectfully cleared a passage for them as they walked along until they +approached the spot where the tall monk was standing. As they drew near +him he moved on, and Norris and the queen followed in silence. Passing +from the great hall in which the crowd of dancers were assembled, they +descended a short flight of steps, at the foot of which the monk paused, +and pointed with his right hand to a chamber, partly screened by the +folds of a curtain. + +At this intimation the queen and her companion stepped quickly on, and +as she advanced, Anne Boleyn perceived Jane Seymour and the king seated +on a couch within the apartment. Henry was habited like a pilgrim, +but he had thrown down his hat, ornamented with the scallop-shell, his +vizard, and his staff, and had just forced his fair companion to unmask. + +At the sight, Anne was transfixed with jealous rage, and was for the +moment almost unconscious of the presence of Norris, or of the monk, who +remained behind the curtain, pointing to what was taking place. + +"Your majesty is determined to expose my blushes," said Jane Seymour, +slightly struggling with her royal lover. + +"Nay, I only want to be satisfied that it is really yourself, +sweetheart," cried Henry passionately. "It was in mercy to me, I +suppose, that you insisted upon shrouding those beauteous features from +my view. + +"Hear you that, madam?" whispered Norris to Anne. + +The queen answered by a convulsive clasp of the hand. + +"Your majesty but jests with me," said Jane Seymour. "Jests!" cried +Henry passionately. "By my faith! I never understood the power of beauty +till now. No charms ever moved my heart like yours; nor shall I know a +moment's peace till you become mine." + +"I am grieved to hear it, my liege," replied Jane Seymour, "for I never +can be yours, unless as your queen." + +Again Norris hazarded a whisper to Anne Boleyn, which was answered by +another nervous grasp of the hand. + +"That is as much as to say," pursued Jane, seeing the gloomy reverie +into which her royal lover was thrown, "I can give your majesty no hopes +at all." + +"You have been schooled by Anne Boleyn, sweetheart," said Henry. + +"How so, my liege?" demanded Jane Seymour. + +"Those are the very words she used to me when I wooed her, and which +induced me to divorce Catherine of Arragon," replied Henry. "Now they +may bring about her own removal." + +"Just Heaven!" murmured Anne. + +"I dare not listen to your majesty," said Jane Seymour, in a tremulous +tone; "and yet, if I dared speak--" + +"Speak on, fearlessly, sweetheart," said Henry. + +"Then I am well assured," said Jane, "that the queen no longer loves +you; nay, that she loves another." + +"It is false, minion!" cried Anne Boleyn, rushing forward, while Norris +hastily retreated, "it is false! It is you who would deceive the king +for your own purposes. But I have fortunately been brought hither to +prevent the injury you would do me. Oh, Henry! have I deserved this of +you?" + +"You have chanced to overhear part of a scene in a masquerade, +madam--that is all," said the king. + +"I have chanced to arrive most opportunely for myself," said Anne. "As +for this slanderous and deceitful minion, I shall dismiss her from my +service. If your majesty is determined to prove faithless to me, it +shall not be with one of my own dames." + +"Catherine of Arragon should have made that speech," retorted Jane +Seymour bitterly. "She had reason to complain that she was supplanted by +one much beneath her. And she never played the king falsely." + +"Nor have I!" cried Anne fiercely. "If I had my will, I should strike +thee dead for the insinuation. Henry, my lord--my love--if you have any +regard for me, instantly dismiss Jane Seymour." + +"It may not be, madam," replied Henry in a freezing tone; "she has done +nothing to deserve dismissal. If any one is to blame in the matter, it +is myself." + +"And will you allow her to make these accusations against me without +punishment?" cried Anne. + +"Peace, madam!" cried the king sternly; "and thank my good-nature that +I go no further into the matter. If you are weary of the masque, I pray +you retire to your own apartments. For myself, I shall lead Jane Seymour +to the bransle." + +"And if your majesty should need a partner," said Jane, walking up to +Anne and speaking in a low tone, "you will doubtless find Sir Henry +Norris disengaged." + +The queen looked as if stricken by a thunderbolt. She heard the +triumphant laugh of her rival; she saw her led forth, all smiles and +beauty and triumph, by the king to the dance, and she covered her face +in agony. While she was in this state, a deep voice breathed in her +ears, "The vengeance of Catherine of Arragon begins to work!" + +Looking up, she beheld the tall figure of the monk retreating from the +chamber. + + + + +III. + + What passed between Norris and the Tall Monk. + + +Tottering to the seat which Henry and Jane had just quitted, Anne +sank into it. After a little time, having in some degree recovered +her composure, she was about to return to the great hall, when Norris +appeared. + +"I did not deceive you, madam," he said, "when I told you the king was +insensible to your charms; he only lives for Jane Seymour." + +"Would I could dismiss her!" cried Anne furiously. + +"If you were to do so, she would soon be replaced by another," rejoined +Norris. "The king delights only in change. With him, the last face is +ever the most beautiful." + +"You speak fearful treason, sir!" replied Anne; "but I believe it to be +the truth." + +"Oh, then, madam!" pursued Norris, "since the king is so regardless of +you, why trouble yourself about him? There are those who would sacrifice +a thousand lives, if they possessed them, for your love." + +"I fear it is the same with all men," rejoined Anne. "A woman's heart is +a bauble which, when obtained, is speedily tossed aside." + +"Your majesty judges our sex too harshly," said Norris. "If I had the +same fortune as the king, I should never change." + +"The king himself once thought so--once swore so," replied Anne +petulantly. "It is the common parlance of lovers. But I may not listen +to such discourse longer." + +"Oh, madam!" cried Norris, "you misjudge me greatly. My heart is +not made of the same stuff as that of the royal Henry. I can love +deeply--devotedly--lastingly." + +"Know you not that by these rash speeches you place your head in +jeopardy?" said Anne. + +"I would rather lose it than not be permitted to love you," he replied. + +"But your rashness endangers me," said the queen. "Your passion +has already been noticed by Jane Seymour, and the slightest further +indiscretion will be fatal." + +"Nay, if that be so," cried Norris, "and your majesty should be placed +in peril on my account, I will banish myself from the court, and from +your presence, whatever the effort cost me." + +"No," replied Anne, "I will not tax you so hardly. I do not think," she +added tenderly, "deserted as I am by the king, that I could spare you." + +"You confess, then, that I have inspired you with some regard?" he cried +rapturously. + +"Do not indulge in these transports, Norris," said Anne mournfully. +"Your passion will only lead to your destruction--perchance to mine. Let +the certainty that I do love, content you, and seek not to tempt your +fate further." + +"Oh, madam! you make me the happiest of men by the avowal," he cried. "I +envy not now the king, for I feel raised above him by your love." + +"You must join the revel, Norris," said Anne; "your absence from it will +be observed." + +And extending her hand to him, he knelt down and pressed it passionately +to his lips. + +"Ah! we are observed," she cried suddenly, and almost with a shriek. +"Rise, sir!" + +Norris instantly sprang to his feet, and, to his inexpressible dismay, +saw the figure of a tall monk gliding away. Throwing a meaning look at +the almost sinking queen, he followed the mysterious observer into +the great hall, determined to rid himself of him in some way before he +should have time to make any revelations. + +Avoiding the brilliant throng, the monk entered the adjoining corridor, +and descending the great staircase, passed into the upper quadrangle. +From thence he proceeded towards the cloisters near St. George's Chapel, +where he was overtaken by Norris, who had followed him closely. + +"What would you with me, Sir Henry Norris?" cried the monk, halting. + +"You may guess," said Norris, sternly and drawing his sword. "There are +secrets which are dangerous to the possessor. Unless you swear never to +betray what you have seen and heard, you die." + +The tall monk laughed derisively. + +"You know that your life is in my power," he said, "and therefore you +threaten mine. Well, e'en take it, if you can." + +As he spoke, he drew a sword from beneath his robe, and stood upon his +defence. After a few passes, Norris's weapon was beaten from his grasp. + +"You are now completely at my mercy," said the monk, "and I have nothing +to do but to call the guard, and declare all I have heard to the king." + +"I would rather you plunged your sword into my heart," said Norris. + +"There is one way--and only one--by which my secrecy may be purchased," +said the monk. + +"Name it," replied Norris. "Were it to be purchased by my soul's +perdition, I would embrace it." + +"You have hit the point exactly," rejoined the monk drily. "Can you not +guess with whom you have to deal?" + +"Partly," replied Norris "I never found such force in mortal arm as you +have displayed." + +"Probably not," laughed the other: "most of those who have ventured +against me have found their match. But come with me into the park, and +you shall learn the condition of my secrecy." + +"I cannot quit the castle," replied Norris; "but I will take you to my +lodgings, where we shall be wholly unobserved." + +And crossing the lower ward, they proceeded to the tower on the south +side of it, now appropriated to the governor of the alms knights. + +About an hour after this Norris returned to the revel. His whole +demeanour was altered, and his looks ghastly. He sought the queen, who +had returned to the seat in the embrasure. + +"What has happened?" said Anne, in a low tone, as he approached her. +"Have you killed him?" + +"No," he replied; "but I have purchased our safety at a terrible price." + +"You alarm me, Norris; what mean you?" she cried. "I mean this," he +answered, regarding her with passionate earnestness: "that you must love +me now, for I have perilled my salvation for you. That tall monk was +Herne the Hunter." + + + + +IV. + + Of the Secret Interview between Norris and Anne Boleyn, and + of the Dissimulation practised by the King. + + +Henry's attentions to Jane Seymour at the masqued fete were so marked, +that the whole court was made aware of his passion. But it was not +anticipated that any serious and extraordinary consequences would result +from the intoxication--far less that the queen herself would be removed +to make way for her successful rival. It was afterwards, however, +remembered that at this time Henry held frequent, long, and grave +conferences with the Dukes of Suffolk and Norfolk, and appeared to be +engrossed in the meditation of some project. + +After the scene at the revel, Anne did not make another exhibition of +jealousy; but it was not that she was reconciled to her situation, or in +any way free from uneasiness. On the contrary, the unhappy Catherine of +Arragon did not suffer more in secret; but she knew, from experience, +that with her royal consort all reproaches would be unavailing. + +One morning, when she was alone within her chamber, her father, who was +now Earl of Wiltshire, obtained admittance to her. + +"You have a troubled look, my dear lord," she said, as she motioned him +to a seat. + +"And with good reason," he replied. "Oh, Anne! words cannot express my +anxiety at the present state of things." + +"It will speedily pass by, my lord," she replied; "the king will soon be +tired of his new idol." + +"Not before he has overthrown the old one, I fear," rejoined the earl. +"Jane Seymour's charms have usurped entire sovereignty over him. With +all her air of ingenuousness and simplicity, the minion is artful and +dangerous She has a high mark, I am persuaded--no less than the throne." + +"But Henry cannot wed her--he cannot divorce me," said Anne. + +"So thought Catherine of Arragon," replied her father; "and yet she was +divorced. Anne, I am convinced a plot is hatching against you." + +"You do not fear for my life, father?" she cried, trembling. + +"I trust there are no grounds for charges against you by which it might +be brought in jeopardy," replied the earl gravely. + +"None, father--none!" she exclaimed. + +"I am glad of it," rejoined the earl; "for I have heard that the king +said to one who suggested another divorce to him, 'No, if the queen +comes within the scope of the divorce, she also comes within the pale of +the scaffold.'" + +"A pledge was extorted from him to that effect," said Anne, in a hollow +voice. + +"That an attempt will be made against you, I firmly believe," replied +the earl; "but if you are wholly innocent you have nothing to fear." + +"Oh, father! I know not that," cried Anne. "Innocence avails little with +the stony-hearted Henry." + +"It will prove your best safeguard," said the earl. "And now farewell, +daughter! Heaven guard you! Keep the strictest watch upon yourself." + +So saying, he quitted the apartment, and as soon as she was left alone, +the unhappy Anne burst into an agony of tears. + +From this state of affliction she was roused by hearing her own name +pronounced in low accents, and looking up, she beheld Sir Henry Norris. + +"Oh, Norris!" she said, in a tone of reproach, "you have come hither to +destroy me." + +"No one knows of my coming," he said; "at least, no one who will betray +me. I was brought hither by one who will take care we are not observed." + +"By Herne?" demanded Anne. + +Norris answered in the affirmative. + +"Would you had never leagued yourself with him!" she cried; "I fear the +rash act will bring destruction upon us both." + +"It is too late to retract now," he replied; "besides, there was no +help for it. I sacrificed myself to preserve you." + +"But will the sacrifice preserve me?" she cried. "I fear not. I have +just been told that the king is preparing some terrible measure against +me--that he meditates removing me, to make way for Jane Seymour." + +"You have heard the truth, madam," replied Norris, "he will try to bring +you to the block." + +"And with him, to try is to achieve," said Anne. "Oh, Norris! it is a +fearful thing to contemplate such a death!" + +"But why contemplate it, madam?" said Norris; "why, if you are satisfied +that the king has such designs against you--why, if you feel that he +will succeed, tarry for the fatal blow? Fly with me--fly with one who +loves you, and will devote his whole life to you--who regards you, +not as the queen, but as Anne Boleyn. Relinquish this false and hollow +grandeur, and fly with me to happiness and peace." + +"And relinquish my throne to Jane Seymour?" rejoined Anne "Never! I feel +that all you assert is true--that my present position is hazardous--that +Jane Seymour is in the ascendant, while I am on the decline, if not +wholly sunk--that you love me entirely, and would devote your life +to me--still, with all these motives for dread, I cannot prevail upon +myself voluntarily to give up my title, and to abandon my post to a +rival." + +"You do not love me, then, as I love you, Anne," said Norris. "If I were +a king, I would abandon my throne for you." + +"You think so now, Norris, because you are not king," she replied. "But +I am queen, and will remain so, till I am forced to abandon my dignity." + +"I understand, madam," rejoined Norris gloomily. "But oh I bethink +you to what risks you expose yourself. You know the king's terrible +determination--his vindictiveness, his ferocity." + +"Full well," she replied--"full well; but I will rather die a queen than +live disgrace and ruined. In wedding Henry the Eighth, I laid my account +to certain risks, and those I must brave." + +Before Norris could urge anything further, the door was suddenly opened, +and a tall dark figure entered the chamber, and said hastily--"The king +is at hand." + +"One word more, and it is my last," said Norris to Anne. "Will you fly +with me to-night?--all shall be ready." + +"I cannot," replied Anne. + +"Away!" cried Herne, dragging Norris forcibly behind the tapestry. + +Scarcely had they disappeared when Henry entered the chamber. He was in +a gayer mood than had been usual with him of late. + +"I am come to tell you, madam," he said, "that I am about to hold jousts +in the castle on the first of May, at which your good brother and mine, +the Lord Rochford, will be the challenger, while I myself shall be the +defendant. You will adjudge the prize." + +"Why not make Jane Seymour queen of the jousts?" said Anne, unable to +resist the remark. + +"She will be present at them," said Henry, "but I have my own reasons," +he added significantly, "for not wishing her to appear as queen on this +occasion." + +"Whatever may be your reasons, the wish is sufficient for me," said +Anne. "Nay, will you tarry a moment with me? It is long since we have +had any converse in private together." + +"I am busy at this moment," replied Henry bluffly; "but what is it you +would say to me?" + +"I would only reproach you for some lack of tenderness, and much +neglect," said Anne. "Oh, Henry! do you remember how you swore by your +life--your crown--your faith--all that you held sacred or dear--that you +would love me ever?" + +"And so I would, if I could," replied the king; "but unfortunately the +heart is not entirely under control. Have you yourself, for instance, +experienced no change in your affections?" + +"No," replied Anne. "I have certainly suffered severely from your +too evident regard for Jane Seymour; but, though deeply mortified and +distressed, I have never for a moment been shaken in my love for your +majesty." + +"A loyal and loving reply," said Henry. "I thought I had perceived some +slight diminution in your regard." + +"You did yourself grievous injustice by the supposition," replied Anne. + +"I would fain believe so," said the king; "but there are some persons +who would persuade me that you have not only lost your affection for me, +but have even cast eyes of regard on another." + +"Those who told you so lied!" cried Anne passionately. "Never woman was +freer from such imputation than myself." + +"Never woman was more consummate hypocrite," muttered Henry. + +"You do not credit me, I see," cried Anne. + +"If I did not, I should know how to act," replied the king. "You +remember my pledge?" + +"Full well," replied Anne; "and if love and duty would not restrain me, +fear would." + +"So I felt," rejoined the king; "but there are some of your sex upon +whom nothing will operate as a warning--so faithless and inconstant are +they by nature. It has been hinted to me that you are one of these; +but I cannot think it. I can never believe that a woman for whom I +have placed my very throne in jeopardy--for whom I have divorced my +queen-whose family I have elevated and ennobled--and whom I have placed +upon the throne would play me false. It is monstrous-incredible!" + +"It is--it is!" replied Anne. + +"And now farewell," said Henry. "I have stayed longer than I intended, +and I should not have mentioned these accusations, which I regard as +wholly groundless, unless you had reproached me." + +And he quitted the chamber, leaving Anne in a strange state of +perplexity and terror. + + + + +V. + + What happened at the Jousts. + + +The first of May arrived; and though destined to set in darkness and +despair, it arose in sunshine and smiles. + +All were astir at an early hour within the castle, and preparations +were made for the approaching show. Lists were erected in the upper +quadrangle, and the whole of the vast area was strewn with sand. In +front of the royal lodgings was raised a gallery, the centre of which, +being set apart for the queen and her dames, was covered with cloth +of gold and crimson velvet, on which the royal arms were gorgeously +emblazoned. The two wings were likewise richly decorated, and adorned +with scutcheons and pennons, while from the battlements of the eastern +side of the court were hung a couple of long flags. + +As soon as these preparations were completed, a throng of pages, +esquires, armourers, archers, and henchmen, entered it from the Norman +gateway, and took up positions within the barriers, the space without +the pales being kept by a double line of halberdiers. Next came the +trumpeters, mounted on richly caparisoned horses, and having their +clarions decorated with silken bandrols, fringed with gold. Stationing +themselves at the principal entrance of the lists, they were speedily +joined by the heralds, pursuivants, and other officers of the tilt-yard. + +Presently afterwards, the Duke of Suffolk, who was appointed judge of +the lists, appeared, and rode round the arena to see that all was in +order. Apparently well satisfied with the survey, he dismounted, and +proceeded to the gallery. + +Meanwhile, the crowd within the court was increased by a great influx +of the different members of the household, amongst whom were Shoreditch, +Paddington, and Hector Cutbeard. + +"Marry, this promises to be a splendid sight!" said the clerk of the +kitchen; "the king will, no doubt, do his devoir gallantly for the sake +of the bright eyes that will look upon him." + +"You mean the queen's, of course?" said Shoreditch. + +"I mean hers who may be queen," replied Cutbeard; "Mistress Jane +Seymour." + +"May be queen!" exclaimed Shoreditch. "You surely do not think the king +will divorce his present consort?" + +"Stranger things have happened," replied Cutbeard significantly. "If +I am not greatly out of my reckoning," he added, "these are the last +jousts Queen Anne will behold." + +"The saints forefend!" cried Shoreditch; "what reason have you for +thinking so?" + +"That I may not declare," replied Cutbeard; "but before the jousts are +over you will see whether I have been rightly informed or not." + +"Hush!" exclaimed Shoreditch. "There is a tall monk eyeing us strangely; +and I am not certain that he has not overheard what you have said." + +"He is welcome to the intelligence," replied Cutbeard; "the end will +prove its truth." + +Though this was uttered in a confident tone, he nevertheless glanced +with some misgiving at the monk, who stood behind Paddington. The object +of the investigation was a very tall man, with a cowl drawn over his +brow. He had a ragged black beard, fierce dark eyes, and a complexion +like bronze. Seeing Cutboard's glance anxiously fixed upon him, he +advanced towards him, and said in a low tone--"You have nothing to fear +from me; but talk not so loud if you value your head." + +"So saying he proceeded to another part of the lists. + +"Who is that tall monk?" asked Paddington. + +"Devil knows!" answered Cutbeard; "I never saw him before. But he has a +villainous cut-throat look." + +Soon afterwards a flourish of trumpets was heard, and amid their joyous +bruit the queen, sumptuously arrayed in cloth of gold and ermine, and +having a small crown upon her brow, entered the gallery, and took her +seat within it. Never had she looked more beautiful than on this fatal +morning, and in the eyes of all the beholders she completely eclipsed +her rival, Jane Seymour. The latter, who stood on her right hard, and +was exquisitely attired, had a thoughtful and anxious air, as if some +grave matter weighed upon her. + +While the queen's attendants were taking their places, Lord Rochford, +accompanied by Sir Henry Norris and the Earls of Surrey and Essex, +entered the lists. The four knights were completely armed, and mounted +on powerful steeds barded with rich cloth of gold, embroidered with +silver letters. Each had a great crimson plume in his helmet. They rode +singly round the arena, and bowed as they passed the royal gallery, +Norris bending almost to his saddle-bow while performing his salutation +to the queen. + +The field being thus taken by the challengers, who retired to the upper +end of the court, a trumpet was thrice sounded by a herald, and an +answer was immediately made by another herald stationed opposite Henry +the Seventh's buildings. When the clamour ceased, the king fully armed, +and followed by the Marquis of Dorset, Sir Thomas Wyat, and the Lord +Clifford, rode into the lists. + +Henry was equipped in a superb suit of armour, inlaid with gold, and +having a breastplate of the globose form, then in vogue; his helmet was +decorated with a large snow-white plume. The trappings of his steed were +of crimson velvet, embroidered with the royal arms, and edged with great +letters of massive gold bullion, full of pearls and precious stones. +He was attended by a hundred gentlemen, armourers, and other officers, +arrayed in white velvet. + +Having ridden round the court like the others, and addressed his +salutation exclusively to Jane Seymour, Henry took his station with his +companions near the base of the Round Tower, the summit of which was +covered with spectators, as were the towers and battlements around. + +A trumpet was now sounded, and the king and the Lord Rochford having +each taken a lance from his esquire, awaited the signal to start from +the Duke of Suffolk, who was seated in the left wing of the royal +gallery. It was not long delayed. As the clarion sounded clearly and +loudly for the third time, he called out that the champions might go. + +No sooner were the words uttered, than the thundering tramp of the +steeds resounded, and the opponents met midway. Both their lances were +shivered; but as the king did not, in the slightest degree, change his +position, he was held to have the best of it. Courses were then run by +the others, with varied success, the Marquis of Dorset being unhorsed +by Sir Henry Norris, whose prowess was rewarded by the plaudits of the +assemblage, and what was infinitely more dear to him, by the smiles of +the queen. + +"You have ridden well, Norris," cried Henry, advancing towards him. +"Place yourself opposite me, and let us splinter a lance together." + +As Norris reined back his steed, in compliance with the injunction, the +tall monk stepped from out the line, and drawing near him, said, "If you +wish to prove victorious, aim at the upper part of the king's helmet." +And with these words he withdrew. + +By the time Norris had placed his lance in the rest, the trumpet +sounded. The next moment the word was given, and the champions started. +Henry rode with great impetuosity, and struck Norris in the gorget with +such good will that both he and his steed were shaken. + +But Norris was more fortunate. Following the advice of the monk, he made +the upper part of the king's helmet his mark, and the blow was so well +dealt, that, though he did not dislodge the royal horseman, it drove +back his steed on its haunches. + +The success was so unequivocal that Norris was at once declared the +victor by the judge. No applause, however, followed the decision, from a +fear of giving offence to the king. + +Norris dismounted, and committing his steed to the care of an esquire, +and his lance to a page, took off his helmet and advanced towards the +royal gallery, near which the Earl of Surrey and Sir Thomas Wyat were +standing talking with the other dames. As Norris drew near, Anne leaned +over the edge of the gallery, and smiled at him tenderly, and, whether +by design or accident, let fall her embroidered handkerchief. + +Norris stooped to pick it up, regarding her as he did so with a glance +of the most passionate devotion. A terrible gaze, however, was fixed +on the unfortunate pair at that moment. It was that of the king. While +Henry was careering in front of the gallery to display himself before +Jane Seymour, a tall monk approached him, and said, "Look at Sir Henry +Norris!" + +Thus addressed, Henry raised his beaver, that he might see more +distinctly, and beheld Norris take up the embroidered handkerchief, +which he recognised as one that he had given, in the early days of his +affection, to the queen. + +The sight stung him almost to madness, and he had great difficulty +in repressing his choler. But if this slight action, heightened to +importance, as it was, by the looks of the parties, roused his ire, +it was nothing to what followed. Instead of restoring it to the queen, +Norris, unconscious of the danger in which he stood, pressed the +handkerchief fervently to his lips. + +"I am hitherto the victor of the jousts," he said; "may I keep this as +the prize?" + +Anne smiled assent. + +"It is the proudest I ever obtained," pursued Norris. And he placed it +within his helmet. + +"Does your majesty see that?" cried the tall monk, who still remained +standing near the king. + +"Death of my life!" exclaimed Henry, "it is the very handkerchief I gave +her before our union! I can contain myself no longer, and must perforce +precipitate matters. What ho!" he cried, riding up to that part of +the gallery where the Duke of Suffolk was seated--"let the jousts be +stopped!" + +"Wherefore, my dear liege?" said Suffolk. "The Earl of Surrey and Sir +Thomas Wyat are about to run a course." + +"Let them he stopped I say!" roared Henry, in a tone that admitted of +no dispute. And wheeling round his charger, he dashed into the middle of +the barriers, shouting in loud, authoritative accents, "The jousts are +at an end! Disperse!" + +The utmost consternation was occasioned by the announcement. The Duke of +Suffolk instantly quitted his seat, and pressed through the crowd to the +king, who whispered a few hasty words in his ear. Henry then called to +the Earl of Surrey, the Marquis of Dorset, the Lord Clifford, Wyat, and +some others, and bidding them attend him, prepared to quit the court. +As he passed the royal gallery, Anne called to him in an agonised +voice--"Oh, Henry! what is the matter?--what have I done?" + +But without paying the slightest attention to her, he dashed through the +Norman Gate, galloped down the lower quadrangle, and quitted the castle. + +The confusion that ensued may be imagined. All saw that something +extraordinary and terrible had taken place, though few knew precisely +what it was. Dismay sat in every countenance, and the general anxiety +was heightened by the agitation of the queen, who, uttering a piercing +scream, fell back, and was borne off in a state of insensibility by her +attendants. + +Unable to control himself at the sight, Norris burst through the guard, +and rushing up the great staircase, soon gained the apartment to which +the queen had been conveyed. Owing to the timely aid afforded her, she +was speedily restored, and the first person her eyes fell upon was her +lover. At the sight of him a glance of affection illumined her features, +but it was instantly changed into an expression of alarm. + +At this juncture the Duke of Suffolk, who, with Bouchier and a party +of halberdiers, had entered the room, stepped up to the queen, and +said-"Will it please you, madam, to retire to an inner apartment? I +grieve to say you are under arrest." + +"Arrest!" exclaimed Anne; "for what crime, your grace?" + +"You are charged with incontinency towards the king's highness," replied +Suffolk sternly. + +"But I am innocent!" cried Anne--"as Heaven shall judge me, I am +innocent!" + +"I trust you will be able to prove yourself so, madam," said Suffolk. +"Sir Henry Norris, your person is likewise attached." + +"Then I am lost indeed!" exclaimed Anne distractedly. + +"Do not let these false and malignant accusations alarm you, madam," said +Norri. "You have nothing to fear. I will die protesting your innocence." + +"Sir Henry Norris," said the duke coldly, "your own imprudence has +brought about this sad result." + +"I feel it," replied Norris; "and I deserve the worst punishment that +can be inflicted upon me for it. But I declare to you as I will +declare upon the rack, if I am placed upon it--that the queen is wholly +innocent. Let her not suffer for my fault." + +"You hear what Sir Henry says," cried Anne; "and I call upon you to +recollect the testimony he has borne." + +"I shall not fail to do so, madam," replied Suffolk. "Your majesty will +have strict justice." + +"Justice!" echoed Anne, with a laugh of bitter incredulity. "Justice +from Henry the Eighth?" + +"Beseech you, madam, do not destroy yourself," said Norris, prostrating +himself before her. "Recollect by whom you are surrounded. My folly and +madness have brought you into this strait, and I sincerely implore your +pardon for it." + +"You are not to blame, Norris," said Anne; "it is fate, not you, that +has destroyed me. The hand that has dealt this blow is that of a queen +within the tomb." + +"Captain Bouchier," said the Duke of Suffolk, addressing that officer, +who stood near him, "you will convey Sir Henry Norris to the strong-room +in the lower gateway, whence he will be removed to the Tower." + +"Farewell for ever, Norris!" cried Anne. "We shall meet no more on +earth. In what has fallen on me I recognise the hand of retribution. But +the same measure which has been meted to me shall be dealt to others. I +denounce Jane Seymour before Heaven! She shall not long retain the crown +she is about to snatch from me!" + +"That imprecation had better have been spared, madam," said the duke. + +"Be advised, my gracious mistress," cried Norris, "and do not let your +grief and distraction place you in the power of your enemies. All may +yet go well." + +"I denounce her!" persisted Anne, wholly disregarding the caution; "and +I also denounce the king. No union of his shall be happy, and other +blood than mine shall flow." + +At a sign from the duke she was here borne, half suffocated with +emotion, to an inner apartment, while Norris was conveyed by Bouchier +and a company of halberdiers to the lower gateway, and placed within the +prison chamber. + + + + +VI. + + What passed between Anne Boleyn and the Duke of Suffolk, and + how Herne the Hunter appeared to her in the Oratory. + + +For some hours Anne Boleyn's attendants were alarmed for her reason, +and there seemed good grounds for the apprehension, so wildly and +incoherently did she talk, and so violently comport herself--she who +was usually so gentle now weeping as if her soul would pass away in +tears--now breaking into fearful hysterical laughter. It was a piteous +sight, and deeply moved all who witnessed it. But towards evening +she became calmer, and desired to be left by herself. Her wish +being complied with, she fell upon her knees, and besought Heaven's +forgiveness for her manifold offences. + +"May my earthly sufferings," she cried, "avail me here--after, and +may my blood wash out my guilt. I feel the enormity of my offence, +and acknowledge the justice of my punishment. Pardon me, O injured +Catherine--pardon me, I implore thee! Thou seest in me the most +abject pitiable woman in the whole realm! Overthrown, neglected, +despised--about to die a shameful death--what worse can befall me? Thine +anguish was great, but it was never sharpened by remorse like mine. Oh! +that I could live my life over again. I would resist all the dazzling +temptations I have yielded to--above all, I would not injure thee. Oh! +that I had resisted Henry's love--his false vows--his fatal lures! +But it is useless to repine. I have acted wrongfully and must pay the +penalty of my crime. May my tears, my penitence, my blood operate as an +atonement, and procure me pardon from the merciful Judge before whom I +shall shortly appear." + +In such prayers and lamentations she passed more than an hour, when her +attendants entered to inform her that the Duke of Suffolk and the +Lords Audley and Cromwell were without, and desired to see her. She +immediately went forth to them. + +"We are come to acquaint you, madam," said Suffolk, "that you will be +removed at an early hour tomorrow morning, to the Tower, there to abide +during the king's pleasure." + +"If the king will have it so, my lords," she replied, "I must needs go; +but I protest my innocence, and will protest it to the last. I have ever +been a faithful and loyal consort to his highness, and though I may not +have demeaned myself to him so humbly and gratefully as I ought to have +done--seeing how much I owe him--yet I have lacked nothing in affection +and duty. I have had jealous fancies and suspicions of him, especially +of late, and have troubled him with them; but I pray his forgiveness for +my folly, which proceeded from too much regard, and if I am acquitted of +my present charge, I will offend him so no more." + +"We will report what you say to the king," rejoined Suffolk gravely; +"but we are bound to add that his highness does not act on mere +suspicion, the proofs of your guilt being strong against you." + +"There can be no such proofs," cried Anne quickly. "Who are my accusers? +and what do they state?" + +"You are charged with conspiring against the king's life, and +dishonouring his bed," replied Suffolk sternly. "Your accusers will +appear in due season." + +"They are base creatures suborned for the purpose!" cried Anne. "No +loyal person would so forswear himself." + +"Time will show you who they are, madam," said Suffolk. + +"But having now answered all your questions, I pray you permit us to +retire." + +"Shall I not see the king before I am taken to the Tower?" said Anne, +upon whom the terror of her situation rushed with new force. + +"His highness has quitted the castle," replied Suffolk, "and there is no +likelihood of his return to-night." + +"You tell me so to deceive me," cried Anne. "Let me see him--let me +throw myself at his feet! I can convince him of my innocence and move +him to compassion! Let me see him, I implore of you--I charge you!" + +"I swear to you, madam, that the king has departed for Hampton Court," +replied Suffolk. + +"Then take me to him there, under strong guard, or as secretly as you +please," she cried passionately; "I will return with you instantly, if I +am unsuccessful." + +"Were I to comply with your request it would be fruitless, madam," +replied Suffolk; "the king would not see you." + +"Oh, Suffolk!" cried Anne, prostrating herself before him, "I have shown +you many kindnesses in my season of power, and have always stood your +friend with the king. Do me this favour now; I will never forget it. +Introduce me to the king. I am sure I can move his heart, if I can only +see him." + +"It would cost me my head, madam," said the duke in an inexorable tone. +"Rise, I pray you." + +"You are more cruel than the king," said Anne, obeying. "And now, my +lords," she continued with more composure and dignity, "since you refuse +my last request, and plainly prove to me the sort of justice I may +expect, I will not detain you longer. I shall be ready to attend you to +the Tower tomorrow." + +"The barge will proceed an hour before dawn," said Suffolk. + +"Must I, then, go by water?" asked Anne. + +"Such are the king's commands," replied Suffolk. + +"It is no matter," she rejoined; "I shall be ready when you will, for I +shall not retire to rest during the night." + +Upon this Suffolk and the others slowly withdrew, and Anne again retired +to the oratory. + +She remained alone, brooding, in a state of indescribable anguish, upon +the probable fate awaiting her, when all at once, raising her eyes, she +beheld a tall dark figure near the arras. + +Even in the gloom she recognised Herne the Hunter, and with difficulty +repressed a scream. + +"Be silent!" cried Herne, with an emphatic gesture. "I am come to +deliver you." + +Anne could not repress a joyful cry. + +"Not so loud," rejoined Herne, "or you will alarm your attendants. I +will set you free on certain conditions." + +"Ah! conditions!" exclaimed Anne, recoiling; "if they are such as will +affect my eternal welfare, I cannot accept them." + +"You will repent it when it is too late," replied Herne. "Once removed +to the Tower I can no longer aid you. My power extends only to the +forest and the castle." + +"Will you take me to the king at Hampton Court?" said Anne. + +"It would be useless," replied Herne. "I will only do what I have +stated. If you fly with me, you can never appear again as Anne Boleyn. +Sir Henry Norris shall be set free at the same time, and you shall both +dwell with me in the forest. Come!" + +"I cannot go," said Anne, holding back; "it were to fly to a worse +danger. I may save my soul now; but if I embrace your offer I am lost +for ever." + +Herne laughed derisively. + +"You need have no fear on that score," he said. + +"I will not trust you," replied Anne. "I have yielded to temptation +already, and am now paying the penalty of it." + +"You are clinging to the crown," said Herne, "because you know that by +this step you will irrecoverably lose it. And you fancy that some change +may yet operate to your advantage with the king. It is a vain +delusive hope. If you leave this castle for the Tower, you will perish +ignominiously on the block." + +"What will be, must be!" replied Anne. "I will not save myself in the +way you propose." + +"Norris will say, and with reason, that you love him not," cried Herne. + +"Then he will wrong me," replied Anne; "for I do love him. But of what +account were a few years of fevered happiness compared with endless +torture?" + +"I will befriend you in spite of yourself," vociferated Herne, seizing +her arm; "you shall go with me!" + +"I will not," said Anne, falling on her knees. "Oh, Father of Mercy!" +she cried energetically, "deliver me from this fiend!" + +"Take your fate, then!" rejoined Herne, dashing her furiously backwards. + +And when her attendants, alarmed by the sound, rushed into the chamber, +they found her stretched on the floor in a state of insensibility. + + + + +VII. + + How Herne appeared to Henry In the Home Park. + + +On that same night, at a late hour, a horseman, mounted on a powerful +steed, entered the eastern side of the home park, and stationed himself +beneath the trees. He had not been there long, when the castle clock +tolled forth the hour of midnight, and ere the deep strokes died away, a +second horseman was seen galloping across the moonlit glade towards him. + +"Has all been done as I directed, Suffolk?" he demanded, as the newcomer +approached him. + +"It has, my liege," replied the duke. "The queen is imprisoned within +her chamber, and will be removed, at early dawn, to the Tower." + +"You had better start in an hour from this time," said the king. "It is +a long passage by water, and I am anxious to avoid all chance of attempt +at rescue." + +"Your wishes shall be obeyed," replied the duke. "Poor soul! her grief +was most agonizing, and I had much ado to maintain my composure. She +implored, in the most passionate manner, to be allowed to see your +highness before her removal. I told her it was impossible; and that even +if you were at the castle, you would not listen to her supplications." + +"You did right," rejoined Henry; "I will never see her more--not that +I fear being moved by her prayers, but that, knowing how deceitful and +faithless she is, I loathe to look upon her. What is expressed upon the +matter by the household? Speak frankly." + +"Frankly then," replied the duke, "your highness's proceedings are +regarded as harsh and unjustifiable. The general opinion is, that you +only desire to remove Anne to make way for Mistress Jane Seymour." + +"Ha! they talk thus, do they?" cried the king. "I will silence their +saucy prating ere long. Tell all who venture to speak to you on the +subject that I have long suspected the queen of a secret liking for +Norris, but that I determined to conceal my suspicions till I found I +had good warrant for them. That occurred, as you know, some weeks ago. +However, I awaited a pretext for proceeding against them, and it was +furnished by their own imprudence to-day. Convinced that something would +occur, I had made my preparations; nor was I deceived. You may add, +also, that not until my marriage is invalidated, Anne's offspring +illegitimatised, and herself beheaded, shall I consider the foul blot +upon my name removed." + +"Has your majesty any further commands?" said Suffolk. "I saw Norris in +his prison before I rode forth to you." + +"Let him be taken to the Tower, under a strong escort, at once," said +Henry. "Lord Rochford, I suppose, has already been removed there?" + +"He has," replied the duke. "Shall I attend your majesty to your +followers?" + +"It is needless," replied the king. "They are waiting for me, close at +hand, at the foot of Datchet Bridge. Fare well, my good brother; look +well to your prisoners. I shall feel more easy when Anne is safely +lodged within the Tower." + +So saying he wheeled round, and striking spurs into his steed, dashed +through the trees, while the duke rode back to the castle. + +Henry had not proceeded far, when a horseman, mounted on a sable steed, +emerged from the thicket, and galloped up to him. The wild attire and +antlered helm of this personage proclaimed the forest fiend. + +"Ah! thou here, demon!" cried the king, his lion nature overmastered by +superstitious fear for a moment. "What wouldst thou?" + +"You are on the eve of committing a great crime," replied Herne; "and I +told you that at such times I would always appear to you." + +"To administer justice is not to commit crime," rejoined the king. "Anne +Boleyn deserves her fate." + +"Think not to impose on me as you have imposed on Suffolk!" cried Herne, +with a derisive laugh. "I know your motives better; I know you have no +proof of her guilt, and that in your heart of hearts you believe her +innocent. But you destroy her because you would wed Jane Seymour! We +shall meet again ere long--ho! ho! ho!" + +And giving the rein to his steed, he disappeared among the trees. + + + + +VIII. + + The Signal Gun. + + +Anne Boleyn's arraignment took place in the great hall of the White +Tower, on the 16th of May, before the Duke of Norfolk, who was created +lord high steward for the occasion, and twenty-six peers. The duke had +his seat under a canopy of state, and beneath him sat the Earl of Surrey +as deputy earl-marshal. + +Notwithstanding an eloquent and impassioned defence, Anne was found +guilty; and having been required to lay aside her crown and the other +insignia of royalty, was condemned to be burned or beheaded at the +king's pleasure. + +On the following day, she was summoned to the archiepiscopal palace at +Lambeth, whither she was privately conveyed; and her marriage with the +king was declared by Cranmer to be null and void, and to have always +been so. Death by the axe was the doom awarded to her by the king, and +the day appointed for the execution was Friday the 19th of May, at the +hour of noon. + +Leaving the conduct of the fatal ceremony to the Duke of Suffolk, who +had orders to have a signal gun fired from the summit of the White +Tower, which was to be answered from various points, when all was over, +Henry repaired to Windsor Castle on the evening of Thursday. Before +this, he had formally offered his hand to Jane Seymour; and while the +unfortunate queen was languishing within the Tower, he was basking in +the smiles of his new mistress, and counting the hours till he could +make her his own. On the Tuesday before the execution, Jane Seymour +retired to her father's mansion, Wolff Hall, in Wiltshire, where +preparations were made for the marriage, which it was arranged should +take place there in private on the Saturday. + +On arriving at the castle, Henry gave out that he should hunt on the +following morning in the great park, and retired to his closet. But he +did not long remain there, and putting on the garb of a yeoman of the +guard, descended by the narrow flight of steps (already mentioned as +occupying the same situation as the existing Hundred Steps) to the town, +and proceeded to the Garter, where he found several guests assembled, +discussing the affairs of the day, and Bryan Bowntance's strong ale +at the same time. Amongst the number were the Duke of Shoreditch, +Paddington, Hector Cutbeard, and Kit Coo. At the moment of the king's +entrance, they were talking of the approaching execution. + +"Oh, the vanity of worldly greatness!" exclaimed Bryan, lifting up his +hands. "Only seven years ago, last Saint George's Day, this lovely queen +first entered the castle with the king, amid pomp and splendour and +power, and with a long life--apparently--of happiness before her. And +now she is condemned to die." + +"But if she has played the king false she deserves her doom," replied +Shoreditch. "I would behead my own wife if she served me the same +trick--that is, if I could." + +"You do right to say 'if you could,'" rejoined Paddington. "The +beheading of a wife is a royal privilege, and cannot be enjoyed by a +subject." + +"Marry, I wonder how the king could prefer Mistress Jane Seymour, for my +part!" said Hector Cutbeard. "To my thinking she is not to be compared +with Queen Anne." + +"She has a lovely blue eye, and a figure as straight as an arrow," +returned Shoreditch. "How say you, master?" he added, turning to the +king; "what think you of Mistress Jane Seymour?" + +"That she is passably fair, friend," replied Henry. + +"But how as compared with the late--that is, the present queen, for, +poor soul! she has yet some hours to live," rejoined Shoreditch. "How, +as compared with her?" + +"Why, I think Jane Seymour the more lovely, Undoubtedly," replied Henry. +"But I may be prejudiced." + +"Not in the least, friend," said Cutbeard. "You but partake of your +royal master's humour. Jane Seymour is beautiful, no doubt, and so was +Anne Boleyn. Marry! we shall see many fair queens on the throne. The +royal Henry has good taste and good management. He sets his subjects +a rare example, and shows them how to get rid of troublesome wives. +We shall all divorce or hang our spouses when we get tired of them. I +almost wish I was married myself, that I might try the experiment-ha! +ha!" + +"Well, here's the king's health!" cried Shoreditch, "and wishing him as +many wives as he may desire. What say you, friend?" he added, turning to +Henry. "Will you not drink that toast?" + +"That will I," replied Henry; "but I fancy the king will be content for +the present with Mistress Jane Seymour." + +"For the present, no doubt," said Hector Cutbeard; "but the time will +come--and ere long--when Jane will be as irksome to him as Anne is now." + +"Ah, God's death, knave! darest thou say so?" cried Henry furiously. + +"Why, I have said nothing treasonable, I hope?" rejoined Cutbeard, +turning pale; "I only wish the king to be happy in his own way. And as +he seems to delight in change of wives, I pray that he may have it to +his heart's content." + +"A fair explanation," replied Henry, laughing. + +"Let me give a health, my masters!" cried a tall archer, whom no one had +hitherto noticed, rising in one corner of the room. "It is--The headsman +of Calais, and may he do his work featly tomorrow!" + +"Ha! ha! ha! a good toast!" cried Hector Cutbeard. + +"Seize him who has proposed it!" cried the king, rising; "it is Herne +the Hunter!" + +"I laugh at your threats here as elsewhere, Harry," cried Herne. "We +shall meet tomorrow." + +And flinging the horn cup in the face of the man nearest him, he sprang +through an open window at the back, and disappeared. + +Both Cutbeard and Shoreditch were much alarmed lest the freedom of their +expressions should be taken in umbrage by the king; but he calmed their +fears by bestowing a good humoured buffet on the cheek of the latter of +them, and quitting the hostel, returned to the castle by the same way he +had left it. + +On the following morning, about ten o'clock, he rode into the great +park, attended by a numerous train. His demeanour was moody and stern, +and a general gloom pervaded the company. Keeping on the western side +of the park, the party crossed Cranbourne chase; but though they +encountered several fine herds of deer, the king gave no orders to +uncouple the hounds. + +At last they arrived at that part of the park where Sandpit Gate is now +situated, and pursuing a path bordered by noble trees, a fine buck was +suddenly unharboured, upon which Henry gave orders to the huntsmen and +others to follow him, adding that he himself should proceed to Snow +Hill, where they would find him an hour hence. + +All understood why the king wished to be alone, and for what purpose he +was about to repair to the eminence in question, and therefore, without +a word, the whole company started off in the chase. + +Meanwhile, the king rode slowly through the woods, often pausing to +listen to the distant sounds of the hunters, and noticing the shadows +on the greensward as they grew shorter, and proclaimed the approach of +noon. At length he arrived at Snow Hill, and stationed himself beneath +the trees on its summit. + +From this point a magnificent view of the castle, towering over its +pomp of woods, now covered with foliage of the most vivid green, was +commanded. The morning was bright and beautiful, the sky cloudless, +and a gentle rain had fallen over night, which had tempered the air and +freshened the leaves and the greensward. The birds were singing blithely +in the trees, and at the foot of the hill crouched a herd of deer. All +was genial and delightful, breathing of tenderness and peace, calculated +to soften the most obdurate heart. + +The scene was not without its effect upon Henry; but a fierce tumult +raged within his breast. He fixed his eyes on the Round Tower, which +was distinctly visible, and from which he expected the signal, and then +tried to peer into the far horizon. But he could discern nothing. A +cloud passed over the sun, and cast a momentary gloom over the smiling +landscape. At the same time Henry's fancy was so powerfully excited, +that he fancied he could behold the terrible tragedy enacting at the +Tower. + +"She is now issuing forth into the green in front of Saint Peter's +Chapel," said Henry to himself. "I can see her as distinctly as if I +were there. Ah, how beautiful she looks! and how she moves all hearts to +pity! Suffolk, Richmond, Cromwell, and the Lord Mayor are there to meet +her. She takes leave of her weeping attendants--she mounts the steps of +the scaffold firmly--she looks round, and addresses the spectators. How +silent they are, and how clearly and musically her voice sounds! She +blesses me.--I hear It!--I feel it here! Now she disrobes herself, and +prepares for the fatal axe. It is wielded by the skilful executioner +of Calais, and he is now feeling its edge. Now she takes leave of her +dames, and bestows a parting gift on each. Again she kneels and +prays. She rises. The fatal moment is at hand. Even now she retains her +courage--she approaches the block, and places her head upon it. The axe +is raised--ha!" + +The exclamation was occasioned by a flash of fire from the battlements +of the Round Tower, followed by a volume of smoke, and in another second +the deep boom of a gun was heard. + +At the very moment that the flash was seen, a wild figure, mounted on a +coal-black steed, galloped from out the wood, and dashed towards Henry, +whose horse reared and plunged as he passed. + +"There spoke the knell of Anne Boleyn!" cried Herne, regarding Henry +sternly, and pointing to the Round Tower. "The bloody deed is done, and +thou art free to wed once more. Away to Wolff Hall, and bring thy new +consort to Windsor Castle!" + + +THUS ENDS THE SIXTH AND LAST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLE OF WINDSOR CASTLE + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Windsor Castle, by William Harrison Ainsworth + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WINDSOR CASTLE *** + +***** This file should be named 2866.txt or 2866.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/6/2866/ + +Produced by Grant Macandrew + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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