Shakspeare and His Friends

He seems exceeding pious," remarked the secretary.

"Few are what they seem," replied the other. Piety is a cloak that appeareth to fit all who wear it, and beateth everything for excellence in the hiding of defects; and though I was somewhat impressed with the padre's spiritual countenance and benevolent manner, I now do suspect that when religion is made such a display of as was apparent in him, it is but the cloak I have stated; and concealeth something which appeareth so to be hid. I shall watch him well."

"At the first it did strike me I had seen him before," observed Master Francis, but as I can not bring to my mind under what circumstances, methinks I must have been mistaken."

"Doubtless you have," answered Sir Walter. "It can scarce be possible that you have met before. But see-the boat is putting off with him."

"Ay, señor," repeated the pilot, making a more profound bow than either of the preceding; and straightway went to fulfil his mission, as orders were given to weigh anchor. All the vessels being now in full sail, Sir Walter was walking the deck in company with the Jesuit.

"I have heard that Don Antonio de Berrio is governor of the right famous province of Guiana," observed Raleigh.

Unquestionably is he, my son," replied the priest. "He hath ever been a dutiful child of the true church, and the virgin hath favored him as he deserveth. He married a kinswoman of the illustrious Quesada, the conqueror of the Neuvo Reyno de Grenada, and by the will of that hero, confirmed by a royal grant, hath become governor of Guiana, inclusive of the island of Trinidad and the mouths of the Oronoco."

""Tis a most notable fine government," exclaimed Sir Walter, and one that could not be placed in fitter hands than in those of so noble a gentleman. Methinks a space so great must require a vast force of soldiery for its proper se

"Doubtless it doth, my son," answered the padre; but I see but little occasion for soldiery, the governor being so much beloved of the natives."

Sure enough the priest was seen stand-curity." ing up with his hands clasped, as the boat left the land, with his face toward the Spaniards, who were now kneeling in a confused crowd on the shore, as if sharing in his parting benediction, and supplicating of Heaven for his prosperous voyage. In the space of a few minutes the Padre Bartolomé came on board the Lion's Whelp, bringing with him a dark complexioned man, in the dress of a fisherman.

"It delighteth me to hear that said of him," remarked his companion. "I suppose he hath a garrison at this new city of his, and if he feareth not an attack it need not be of any great strength."

"In truth no, my son, for he might do without, and no harm come of it," said the priest.

During this questioning and replying, the two kept ever and anon eying of each other's countenance as intently as they might, without exciting of any par ticular observation.

"Surely your pilot is bringing the ship too close to the rocks," suddenly exclaim ed Sir Walter, as he noticed the gradual approximation of his vessel to a very dangerous shore.

"He is reckoned marvellous skilful in the conveying of ships about the island," replied the padre.

แ If I had not been well assured of his fitness, I would on no account have recommended him unto thee."

At this time Raleigh having cast his eyes around about the deck, met several anxious faces turned toward him, many of whom were his most experienced mariners, and it did appear, by their uneasy and gloomy looks, that they suspected some treachery. He gazed steadily on the padre; but the same calm and holy countenance beamed upon him as had so impressed him in the first instance. It was scarce possible for any one to distrust so saintlike a face: but Sir Walter did distrust him. Nevertheless he saw he had a difficult game to play, and in his own noble features exhibited no alarm.

was approaching the rocky coast.
this he smiled; but the smile had a very
devilish malice in it.

During the latter part of the time taken up with what hath just been described, Harry Daring was seen as if stealthily approaching the man at the helm.

"I say, old fellow, can you fight?" exclaimed he to the pilot. The Spaniard turned round to see who it was who addressed him; and observing that it was no other than a boy, merely scowled at him and said nothing,

"Come give us none of your black looks, Master Dingey," cried the other, "Methinks this Tobias can not be so "I heed not any such, I promise you. well skilled, padre, as hath been repre- You be the first villanous Spaniard I sented to you," observed he. Doubtless have had speech with, and if you are in your good nature hath been imposed on." ." the humor, I would fain meet you whenNay, 'tis impossible any should have ever there shall be a fitting occasion; dared deceive me, my son," answered the and I care not how soon, with sword and priest; "I am convinced of his trust- pistol, or any other honorable weapon; worthiness, and that, with the blessing and I mean not to leave you till I have of God, we shall in good time be safe at killed you outright."" our destination."

"Will it please you to walk with me into my cabin?" inquired Raleigh, very courteously.

"I thank thee, my son; I am well enough where I am," replied the Padre Bartolomé, as if inclined to stay where he was.

"Nay, padre, I can hear of no denial," added the other, laying hold of him by the arm. 66 It is necessary you should

have some refreshment."

""Tis a strict fast with me, my son," answered the ecclesiastic, holding back, as it were.

“But I have matter of moment for your private ear, Padre Bartolomé," said his companion, more earnestly, as he still, in a very friendly manner, forced him along. The priest perceiving that he could scarce nelp himself, did as he was desired, and they left the deck together, as unconcernedly as if thinking of nothing in the world.

"I pray you be seated," exclaimed Sir Walter to the Jesuit, as they entered the cabin, and then suddenly added, as if in a wonderful surprise, "Ŏ' my life I have forgotten. Excuse me, padre, a brief space-I will return anon. He then left the cabin, locking the door after him, and hastily returned to the deck. Padre Bartolomé looked as though somewhat disturbed, and his large dark eyes flashed glances of a different sort to those that lately had given to his countenance so religious an aspect. He gazed out of the window, and noticed how closely the ship |

The man stared at Harry Daring with a fierce and malicious expression; for though not knowing a word of what was said, he might gather from the undaunted looks of the boy that he meant him no good; and then, in a deep gruff voice, muttered the word "herege," which was calling him a heretic-a most hateful and contemptuous appellation in the eyes of any catholic.

You are a very absolute villain and coward, Master Jack Spaniard; or when one comes unto you with a civil challenge, you would answer me in honest English. I shall feel a marvellous comfort in ridding of the earth of so thorough a scurvy rogue."

To this the other answered only by calling of him diablo, meaning devil, and grinding his teeth at him.

By Gog and Magog!" exclaimed Harry Daring, raising of his voice and regarding the pilot with famous angry looks, "if you answer me not in honest English, I will give you a clout of your knave's pate." And thereupon he shook his fist. Then the brow of the Spaniard grew blacker than ever, and putting of his hand into his vest, he showed a dagger, making a significant nod, and muttering in Spanish that he had a mind to stab him; but no sooner did Harry Daring catch sight of the blade than, as quick as lightning, he bent down his head, and making of it a sort of battering-ram, gave the man unexpectedly so vigorous a poke in the stomach that it seemed to have sent the breath out of his body, and after

staggering back a few paces, he fell so heavily upon a coil of rope that the dagger was knocked out of his hand. In the next instant Harry was upon him, and then commenced a most furious tusselling between the two. The Spaniard cursing, grinding of his teeth, and clutching of him as well as he could, and the boy, who seemed as strong as a young lion, abusing him for a villain, and ever and anon hitting of him such hearty cuffs as was evident he liked not at all.

Nevertheless, upon the hearing of a footstep close at hand, he hurriedly sunk down on his knees, and began praying with wonderful earnestness.

"I have tarried not a moment longer than I could help, padre," courteously exclaimed Sir Walter Raleigh, as he entered at the door.

"I have not missed thee, my son," replied the ecclesiastic, after he had risen from the ground.

sit, I pray you."

"I hope nothing ill hath happened," observed the priest, as he seated himself opposite the other.

"But a strange accident hath fallen This could scarce go on without at-out that had like to have kept me longer, tracting attention. Indeed, no sooner had I not done what I have," continued was Harry Daring seen to rush upon the Sir Walter. "But sit you, good padre, pilot, than all within notice of it came crowding to the spot, some hanging by the rigging, others clambering to wherever they might get a place to stand on, and all cheering and encouraging of Harry as much as they could. Some of the officers were hastening to interfere, but it came to a stop much sooner than was expected, for the Spaniard having regained his legs rushed like a furious mad beast upon his youthful adversary, who, stooping as he came, sent his head between the other's legs, and putting forth all his force, gave him a jerk that pitched him on his head behind him, where he lay stunned for some minutes. At this moment the voice of Sir Walter Raleigh was heard giving orders to put the ship about; the men returned to their duties; the necessary alterations were made in the sails; an experienced mariner was placed at the helm; and in the space of half an hour or less the good ship the Lion's Whelp was seen retracing of her way to the place she had lately left.

CHAPTER XXII.

Sir, be appeased; he is come to humble
Himself in spirit, and to ask your patience,
If too much zeal hath carried him aside
From the due path.

Nay, then, I am betrayed,

BEN JONSON.

I feel the plot cast for my overthrow.

BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER.

In at the window, or else o'er the hatch;
Who dares not stir by day must walk by night;
And have is have however men do catch,
Near or far off; well won is still well shot.
SHAKSPEARE.

"O' my faith! it might have been of great detriment to us all," answered Raleigh; "for upon my getting upon deck the whole ship was in a perfect confusion and uproar. I know not the exact rights of it, for every one I have spoke to seemeth to have a different account of the matter. But it appears that your pilot and one of my people had somehow or other got to giving of each other ill language, and Tobias drawing his dagger upon the other, they presently fell to blows, in which the former being cast headlong very heavily upon the ground, received such a fall that for the time being it knocked all sense out of him. In consequence of this mishap I have been obliged to turn the ship about, and make for the place whence we came, for I could no longer allow of the safety of the ship and crew being intrusted to one who seemeth of so hasty a temper: and indeed I am exceeding anxious to get him back with a whole skin, for he hath made all my people so incensed against him that I expect if he be not removed away straight he will suffer for it. I am sorely vexed at this, for that it will delay my long-desired interview with your honorable governor."

"Indeed, 'tis much to be regretted, my son," answered the Padre Bartolomé, regarding his companion with one of his most searching glances. "Tobias deserveth to be well censured for behaving of himself so badly. Alack! it doth make my heart ache wonderfully to observe Ir was with exceeding astonishment how prone to strife are the children of that Padre Bartolomé observed the ship one Father. What vile thing can there receding from the shore. He began to be in human nature that preventeth the feel a little uneasy at his own situation, whole world living as they ought in a and paced the cabin floor with hasty universal brotherhood? I have strove strides, and with wild malignant glances. | early and late to destroy that hatefulness

one of another which leadeth men into such riotous turmoils; yet it hath availed me but little, in vain preached, in vain prayed for the removing of their quarrelsomeness. Ever have I gone amongst them on missions of peace and charity, yet have I seen of my labors no better ending than war and bloodshed. Oh, Madre de Dios!" continued the priest, lifting up his brilliant eyes to the ceiling, and raising of his voice to a tone of greater excitement. Pluck from our sinful hearts these hateful passions, that with one accord men of all nations and conditions whatsoever, may bow down in thy worship, and glorify thy name with natures attuned by thy sweet influence unto everlasting harmony and love."

"Amen!" exclaimed his companion reverently. "Much pleased am I to hear of such sentiments; and doubt I not that if they were common, and were acted on by the different ministers of religion, one faith would soon pervade the world, and one feeling of love unite all mankind in a bond of peace that should never be sundered."

"Ah, my son!" cried the padre with increased fervor. "How earnestly would I strife to bring about so good a work. There are multitudes of my brethren who hold that a man can not be saved unless he be of the catholic church; but my heart can not consign to perdition so many of my fellow-creatures. Among protestants I have met with very many who without doubt were truly excellent Christians. They led good lives; they gave bountifully to the poor; they wor shipped their Creator in all gratitude and sincerity; and that such are to be rewarded with the torments of the damned, seemeth to me incredible."

Sir Walter Raleigh now had some doubt that his companion was of the sort he had suspected. Ideas so liberal he had not met with before in any catholic, much less a priest: and he could never have suspected them in a Jesuit.

"I am afraid, padre, the superiors of your order would but little approve of such opinions as you have just expressed," said he. 66 Yet I am wonderfully delighted with your liberality, and shall have better thoughts of your religion for producing such."

Indeed, my son, I speak but as I think," replied the ecclesiastic, with a look of very convincing earnestness. "It is true that many of us are not so tolerant; but the cell and the cloister are the last places from which ideas enlarged

and charitable should be expected to come. It hath been my good hap to travel much. I have seen with mine own eyes. I have taken my opinion of men from themselves, and not from another party who may be either ignorant or prejudiced, and like enough give false testimony. The result of this thou dost behold. I can respect a man for all that he be of a nation with which mine is at enmity. I can believe in his worth for all that he followeth a religion which mine declareth to be damnation. I am not to be cheated out of my admiration of honorable conduct in deference to any unjust judgment of another, though he should be my spiritual chief and director in all matters of conscience."

"O' my life, well said!" exclaimed the other, diligently scrutinizing the features of his companion to detect aught of insincerity. Finding that the benevolence of his aspect altered not a jot, he was beginning to think more and more every minute that he had been too hasty in what he had done. "And so you have travelled, padre ?" continued he. "Certes, there can be nothing like travel for the liberalizing of the mind. Have you ever been in England ?”

"I have, my son, but 'tis many years since."

My secretary doth imagine that he hath met with you."

"Indeed!" cried the padre in some surprise, then added with more indifference, "It can scarce be, for I left England when I was but a boy."

"I thought he had been mistaken," observed Sir Walter. Then there followed a silence of some few minutes, in which each was busily engaged with thoughts of the other.

"Have you resided long in this island ?” inquired Raleigh.

"For some years, my son," replied the Jesuit.

"Doubtless then you must be well acquainted with the natives, their dispositions and habits?"

"Methinks there are but few who know them better. I ventured here under the favor of the Virgin, in the hope of converting of these heathens to the true faith. I have labored hard, and not without some success. Still I must in friendliness acquaint thee that they are in no way to be depended on. They are thoroughly treacherous and false at heart. Mayhap if thou hast speech with them they shall tell thee the most moving stories concerning of cruelty and oppression

suffered of the Spaniards, whereof there | shall be no sort of truth: their only object being to create a confidence by the which they may better be able to rob and murder those who put their trust in them."

They must be a bad set indeed if that be the case, padre," answered Sir Walter. "Nevertheless, it seemeth strange to me that none of them should come on board."

"Fearing of some mischief," said the priest, "I did exert my influence with the commandant to stop them from leaving the shore, knowing how inveterate they be against foreigners, and, worst of all, against thy worthy countrymen the English."

Then am I under much obligation to you," replied his companion: yet still he had his doubts upon the matter.

“ Mention it not, my son. I am happy that I have the power of doing a service to one of a nation I have ever had such excellent good cause to respect. I hope thou wilt tarry amongst us some time?" "I know not how long my stay may be, padre."

"Hast thou any more ships besides these, my son ?"

"I have; but their sailing with me has been delayed."

"Perchance they shall overtake thee ere long?"

""Tis like enough some of them may." "Be they ships of a force like unto this, my son ?"

Somewhat, padre." "Prythee, tell me again what number of ships thou expectest to join thee?" said the Jesuit.

"I said not any number," answered Sir Walter, who now began to suspect that his companion had some object in his questions.

"Oh, 'tis of no sort of consequence!" exclaimed the priest as unconcernedly as he might, and on the instant turned the conversation into another channel. Each tried to obtain of the other such information as he required-the one concerning of the force possessed by Don Antoniothe other of the number of men and ships under Sir Walter's command; and each strove to mislead his companion as much as was possible of him.

"I have changed my mind as to going to your new city," observed Raleigh.

"The Señor Gobernador will be right glad to see thee," replied the padre. And he will take it unkind of thee shouldst thou leave the island without

paying him a visit. I should earnestly advise thee, as a friend, to neglect such a thing on no account."

"I will think of it," said Sir Walter. "But you are proceeding thither I believe?"

"I shall go by land immediately I get me on shore," answered the Jesuit. "Is the distance very great by land?" inquired the other.

"Some few leagues, my son; but the roads are not of the best, and the way by sea being the shortest, I usually prefer it."

"When you see the worshipful Don Antonio de Berrio, present my duty to him, and say I be most earnest in wishing him all the prosperity in his government his great merit deserveth: and that if he come not to see me straight, I will do my best to pay him a visit."

"I will not fail, my son.

Soon after this the Padre Bartolomé and the man Tobias went ashore, but not before the latter had expressed in Spanish to Harry Daring, with a look that could not be misunderstood, that he would be glad to cut his throat on the very first opportunity; to the which Harry replied by an action more expressive than elegant, that the Spaniard could not help interpreting much better than if any language had been used, in what contempt he was held.

Toward the evening of the same day the good ship, the Lion's Whelp, being at anchor about the same place in which she lay in the morning, and a strong watch being set for fear of a surprise, Harry Daring being on duty, observed several boats leaving the land. These made toward the ship, and it was presently noticed that they were filled with natives. Upon this Sir Walter and his officers, being told of it, hastened on the deck having everything in readiness in case of any hostile intention on the part of those in the boats; but upon closer inspection, seeing that they were without arms it was evident that their object was peaceable. As they neared the vessels they were hailed, and one, in good Spanish, cried out to be taken aboard. To some who seemed the caciques or chiefs this was allowed, and presently, there came aboard the Lion's Whelp five or six Indians, most of them very proper looking men, though of a dusky hue, clad in little else save a linen cloth girt about the middle, a head dress of tar feathers very stately to look on, and a sort of cloak made of a curious stuff very bright, and ornamented with feathers and shells.

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Shakspeare and His Friends: Or, The Golden Age of Merry England