quence as the praise of one who hath so distinguished himself in all manner of knightly and clerklike accomplishments, as hath my most worthy and esteemed friend Sir Walter Raleigh; yet, as he knoweth full well that my deficiency proceedeth not from lack of love, but from lack of wit, he will, I doubt not, out of the generosity of his humour, be content with the assurance, that, as far as my humble judgment goeth, I do consider him an honour to this our age, and an example to the world, of an able commander by land or sea, a ripe and perfect scholar, and a most honourable gentleman; and knowing that he is about to command an important expedition against the enemy, he will, I question not, also allow me, from the very sincerity of my love, to wish him all that infinite success to which his great merits do entitle him."

my

"In every word of this I gladly concur, and drink success to him with all my heart," added Lord Cobham; and both, thereupon, quickly drank off their glasses.

"Sir Robert Cecil," replied Sir Walter in a truly dignified and impressive manner, as he stood up to the table-" It would be but affectation in me were I to seem indifferent to applause; for, however it may be taken, I must acknowledge that I love praise-because I love to deserve it: and if I have

not merited it to the extent your goodness hath bestowed, believe me it was rather from want of ability than inclination: nevertheless I cannot say how much beholden to you I am for your good opinion, and, though as it seemeth to me, the success I may have cannot come up with your expectations, to prevent as much as lieth in my power your judgment from being called in question, I will, in all times to come, urge my poor qualifications to the utmost. I thank you for your good wishesand my lord also—and in return drink to your prosperity."

"Well said!" exclaimed the Lord Cobham, as his friend raised the wine to his lips, and each had reseated himself" the speech is worthy of the wine, and the wine deserveth the speech-therefore are they capitally matched. I only wish my Lord Essex had tasted some of this truly delicious Ippocras before we met him just now at the river's side -methinks he would have looked with a more pleasant countenance."

"Saw you the Lord Essex as you came?" enquired Sir Robert, carelessly.

"We met somebody very like him,” replied the other, "only he did regard us with an aspect so Ethiopian, I had like to have taken him for a blackamoor."

"Ah, my lord is doubtless a little out of hu

mour," observed Cecil, significantly. "He is not in favour with the queen."

"O' my word, one would have thought he had fallen out with his own shadow for looking black at him, and resented it by looking the like at all he met," said my Lord Cobham.

“Unfortunately, my good lord,” replied the wily Cecil, there are some men of such unhappy dispositions, that they cannot bear to see superior merit taking the lead of them; and must therefore regard the object with a sullen and unfriendly gloominess."

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By this hand I thought so!" exclaimed Cobham.

"Not that I would wish to insinuate aught against the noble lord," continued the other, "for he is doubtless of too honourable a nature to have evil intentions against those of whose rising power he may be jealous-though I have heard it said that he beareth no good will to our excellent friend, but of the truth of it can I say nothing. Indeed, in justice to him, I can fairly assert that he hath many estimable qualities, and sheweth a very princely liberality-nevertheless, truth compelleth me to say—but your glasses are empty," said he, suddenly breaking off his discourse, and pouring out the wine.

"What were you about to advance, Sir Robert

Cecil?" enquired Raleigh, very earnestly.

"As

far as I have had means of judging of the Lord Essex, he is a brave and honourable gentleman, but if he hath said aught or done aught against me, I should be glad to know of it."

"I pray you excuse me there, Sir Walter," quickly replied the other. "Believe me, I am no maker of mischief. It would grieve me much to see two such notable good servants of her majesty at variance; and truly your high spirits are apt enough to quarrel without being set on. The Earl of Essex hath a bountiful disposition, as I have said, and if he inclineth at times to be envious of another's greater merit and better fortune, there be not one of us without our faults; and it is but Christian charity to look over such. How like you the wine?"

""Tis of very curious flavour," responded Raleigh, yet, though he answered to the purpose, he did seem as if he was thinking of another matter.

"In truth, 'tis excellent good," said the Lord Cobham, looking at it through the delicate glass in which it sparkled beautifully, and then sipping it that the flavour might dwell upon his tongue, "very exquisite stuff, by this hand! I know not where I should meet with a better wine-indeed, with Ippocras of such admirable quality never came I acquainted. If it be not demanding too much of

your courtesy, I pray you tell me of what vintner might you get such brave liquor?”

"Of mine own knowledge know I not, my good lord," answered Cecil, "yet will I make it my business to enquire. Believe me, I am marvellously well pleased it hath taken your fancy, as it sheweth its excellence; for, for a singular fine taste in wine, of all men living commend me to the Lord Cobham. Let me replenish your glass."

"I am infinitely bound to you--but, in very honesty, Sir Robert, I am but an indifferent judge," said my lord with some humility, yet it was evident he was well pleased with the compliment.

"Your modesty maketh you undervalue yourself," replied Sir Robert, "I have heard your judgment approved of beyond all comparison."

“'Tis indifferent-'tis indifferent," responded the other carelessly.

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Nay, but I have stayed too long," exclaimed Sir Walter Raleigh, jumping up of a sudden from a sort of reverie, and making preparations to depart.

"Not a whit," responded Cecil, “there is ample time to get to Whitehall before the queen hath need of your attendance. Another glass, I pray you."

"There, then!” cried Raleigh, tossing off the wine as his friend was making ready, "and now we must tarry no longer. Come, my lord."