"My Lord of Essex, you may account me your true friend in this business," said a dwarfish and ill favored person soberly clad, to a handsome and gorgeously dressed gallant-having remarkable dark eyes, and a rich glossy beard very full at the bottom-as they sat over against each other in a chamber hung round with abundance of ancient armor. "I think I may, Sir Robert Cecil," replied he, addressed as the Earl of Essex, looking moodily all the time, as if there was something that mightily vexed him. "She hath quarrelled with me at primero, only because I did drop something that to her appeared to call in question her skill with the cards; and she hath spoke to me never a word since. 'Sblood! one had need be a beggar's dog as put up with such humors." "Nay, but the queen is a most bounteous mistress," observed the other in a tone of apology; "and though at times she be easily displeased, yet is she quickly moved to make amends if undeserved disadvantage come of it." 66 Nay, I seek no thanks," rejoined Sir Robert, "for, inasmuch as my honored father hath been your guardian-to say naught of the noble qualities I do behold in you-have I ever felt disposed to do you a service. Believe me, I would do good for the good's sake. Now, my lord, in this matter, be advised by me; for though seek I in no way to push forth my judg ment before one that is so ripe as your own, yet, as your lordship is somewhat apt to get heated at these things, being touched by them more nearly than another, I, having more coolness, which is the greatest help to reflection, may be considered better qualified to form an unbiased opinion; therefore, I do beseech you, in all true friendship, be advised of me. "What counsel you, Sir Robert Cecil?" inquired his lordship. 66 Mark you Sir Walter Raleigh ?” asked the other. "What hath he to do with it?" said my Lord Essex, very proudly. Truly he is a noble gentleman," replied his companion; "he is one that hath many commendable parts, being in outward show right manly to look upon; the which he doth put to great advantage, by apparelling himself very daintily. Indeed, though I be no judge of these things, I have heard it said by others, that for the fashioning of a doublet, he hath not his peer. For mine own part, I envy him not such an accomplishment, thinking that it more becometh a tailor than a gentleman. Nevertheless he is doubtless to be praised for it, seeing that it showeth his great anxiety to please her majesty, who, it is well known to him, taketh exceeding delight in beholding such braveries; the which he continually turneth to his profit. But he hath other gifts that do the more recommend him to the queen's favor; he hath held himself valiantly in the wars, and hath the reputation of the most experienced soldier in the queen's service; though I for one do "Let her I care not;" said the Lord think there be his betters not far off. Essex sharply. Then-so it be said, though I know not “Now, look you there, was ever ob-how true it be,-his knowledge of sea "But she is too prone to such capriciousness, and I'll stomach it no longer," exclaimed his companion, his brilliant eyes flashing very haughtily as he kept playing with the jewelled pommel of his dagger. "What! shall it be said that the Lord Essex is fit for nothing better than to play the pet falcon with, to be whistled to, and driven off, as it suiteth a woman's idle fantasies?" "Fie on you, my lord!" cried Cecil, with an exceeding grave countenance. "I would not the queen should hear of this for as much as your earldom." manship is inferior to none; which hath not only enabled him to exhibit his valor against the enemy with great effect; but hath given him marvellous facilities in the discovery of strange lands. Besides which, they that take upon themselves to know this phoenix, do give out that he is a very Solomon for wisdom, and is wonderfully quick at penning a stanza." "And what hath all this to do with the matter?" haughtily inquired my Lord Essex, who, though he could not help admiring the character of Sir Walter Raleigh, liked not to hear of his praises so conspicuously. "Much more, my good lord, than it doth appear to you," replied Cecil, in a tone, and with a manner of great meaning. "Mark me! I do not blame this valiant gentleman for wishing to make the most of his qualifications, for it is natural for a man to advance his fortunes as well as he can; but if he, standing upon the opinion some have of him, which in all honesty seemeth to me strangely overrated, seek to gain the first place at court, and poison the queen's ear against the absent" At this moment my lord of Essex, who had exhibited signs of great impatience during the speech of his companionwith his handsome countenance hugely disturbed-leaped suddenly upon his feet, and exclaimed "By God's wrath, if he hath slandered me, I'll make him rue it." -: "Nay, I said not that, my good lord," observed the crafty Cecil, with a show of sincerity. "Indeed, far be it from me to give you so ill an opinion of one who, beyond all dispute, hath signalized himself very honorably; but your absence doth throw great temptation in his way. -I pray you be seated, my lord:-and there are some men-such is the perversity of human nature-who think it no discredit to them to build their rise by working at the fall of their betters.-I would you would not stand, my lord :not that I think Sir Walter Raleigh is of such kind, but being the captain of the guard, in constant attendance on the queen, where he hath many opportunities to drop hints to your disadvantage, which in charity I do not think he would:-I would say, perhaps he might, as the only way of dispossessing you of that high seat in the queen's grace you so worthily fill, be induced to increase her majesty's displeasure against you as much as lay in his power. But be seated, I pray you, my lord." "If he attempt it, were he twenty Sir Walter Raleighs, he should have his deserts," said the proud noble, evidently much disturbed by what he had heard; then, smiling contemptuously, added"but he dare not," and quickly resumed his seat. "There are we of the same opinion," observed Cecil, who, with an unmoved countenance, had all the time kept a careful scrutiny of the features of his companion. "When I consider that he is nothing better than a simple knight, while you, my good lord, are known to be connected with the powerfulest families in the kingdom, and even stand in some relationship to the queen's majesty, I do conceive that he hath more wit than to attempt such a mad scheme as the driving you away from the court, that he might supply your place; nevertheless, speaking from the love I bear you, I do advise that you keep with the queen as much as may be possible; thereby shall you hinder all foolish speculations of the kind, that may be built upon your absence, and notice for yourself whether this Sir Walter Raleigh be inclined to push himself forward at your expense, as some say; though for mine own part, I do not think of his disposition so badly, having, in all my intercourse with him, found him to be a gentleman of very excellent integrity. Allow me also to hope, that what my zeal for you hath emboldened me to say, you will not take in ill part, assuring you that, of all men living, is there not one I hold in so much respect as yourself." “I am greatly beholden to you, and will think of your advice," replied my Lord Essex, rising, with considerable assumption of dignity, from his chair, as he began putting on his embroidered gloves, "but where is my Lord Burghley ?” "My father hath not long returned from the council," said his companion: "he is greatly fatigued, and hath gone to rest, desiring not to be disturbed. I pray you, my good lord, excuse seeing him to-day." "In truth I have no particular business with him," said his lordship, carelessly, as he arranged a costly silk cloak he wore upon his shoulder; "commend me to him, Sir Robert, and, if it be not displeasing to you, I will see you again on this matter at a fitting hour." "I shall feel proud of the honor you will do me, my good lord," replied Cecil, as with much show of respect he followed his visiter out of the door, when he had put on his hat, which was of a high crown, with a precious jewel in the front; and made the serving men, some of whom were straggling about the hall, hasten to open the gates, where he kept bowing to my Lord Essex very courteously, who received his salutations with a haughty inclination of the head, before he moved away from Exeter House, to cross to the river where he had left his barge; and then the other came back, seemingly in a very thoughtful mood, to the armory, and fastened himself in. He had sat himself down therein scarcely a minute, when he was aware of a gentle tapping at the wainscot; which as soon as he heard, a smile of peculiar meaning passed over his grave features, and going directly to a place where hung a suit of Saracen mail, he did presently open a concealed door, and there entered thereat Lord Henry How ard. "Hast any news?" asked Sir Robert, eagerly. "Indeed have I," said my lord. "Good news?" inquired Cecil. "Excellent good news," replied his companion. "From the Scottish king, eh, my good lord?" said the other, in a whisper. 46 No, i'faith-it hath not travelled so far: 'tis English news;-news of our incomparable captain of the guard." Ha! what, doth he seem inclined to take the bait, and quarrel with Essex ?" inquired the other. I doubt it much," responded his companion; "I moved him a little, but not sufficient to ground any such hopes upon." "Tis enough," exclaimed Cecil, "each is jealous of the other, and very small things will suffice to increase their mutual ill will. I have had Essex here, and have just succeeded in stirring up his ancient animosity against Raleigh, and I will take good heed it shall not go out for want of fuel. See you my object?" "To ruin both in good time, I hope," said Lord Howard. "True—but more immediately to play one against the other, that we may take advantage of their disunion; for were they strict friends, they would be too strong for us; or were either to be allowed to proceed in his course without molestation of a rival, he would soon have too firm a seat for us to shake him out. We will set them by the ears, and I doubt not we shall find our profit in it. But what news have you of Baleigh ?" "What think you of a dainty intrigue now with one of the maids of honor ?" "No!" cried the other, incredulously. "Just ripe for a discovery-a private marriage about to take place, to hide the unwelcome consequences." "To whom-where is she-what is her name?" hastily inquired Cecil, showing by the earnest expression of his countenance the interest he took in the intelligence. "She is no other than the right modest daughter of old Sir Nicholas Throckmorton." "The fool's ruined," exclaimed Sir Robert; "but how know you this-how can it be proved?" hav "I was informed of it by my Lady Howard, of Walden," said the other. "Her ladyship, as it seemeth to me, ing been slighted by this Raleigh-I know not why, for truly she is rather a dainty piece of goods to look upon-and suspecting from certain observations she had made, that he was the welcome lover of the virtuous Elizabeth, impelled by jealousy, did conceal herself in Mistress Throckmorton's chamber, and heard the whole of the precious secret; and now her indignant ladyship is burning to tell it to the queen." "She must be stopped awhile-she will spoil all else," cried his companion, eagerly. "This is a delicate affair, my good lord, and requireth very careful handling, or else mischief will come of it." "I thought it of consequence, and bade her stay the discovery till I had seen you on the subject, which she hath promised me. But the best of the jest is, while we were in earnest conversation on this very matter, along one of the walks in the park, the queen, who was on the other side of the fence near which we stood, without our knowledge of it, overheard us, as I suppose; for we presently recognised her voice very loud, calling upon Sir Walter Raleigh to arrest us; the which put us both in such a fright, that each of us did suddenly run for it as if our lives depended on our speed of foot. Never ran I half so fast in all my days: and as for my fair cousin-by this light, there never was such a racer. It would have done your heart good to have seen us, like two Spanish galeasses, cutting before the wind with all sail, to get out of the reach of an English frigate. Thanks to the fleetness of our heels, we escaped; but my Lady Howard hath got such a fright that she will scarce dare to open her mouth before the queen for some time to come." "So much the better," observed his companion, drily. "I left her to calm herself at her leisure, and hastened through the private gate in the garden to seek you here by the secret way.' "You did right, my good lord," said Cecil, as he sat himself down, somewhat abstractedly, leaning his head upon his hand. "And now, methinks, this fine fellow, who evidently liveth in the opinion that nothing is so good as that which he doeth, hath done for himself; and I shall not be sorry for one. I like not such whippersnappers-persons of no extraction-ignoble adventurers-who are ever thrusting themselves before their superiors, and winning from them such honors as they alone were born to possess. Indeed, this Raleigh is a most pestilent piece of conceit, and I mislike him hugely I shall glory in his downfall; and I care not how low his pride is humbled. Besides, when he hath been put out of the way, there will be only the haughty Essex to cope with, who must easily be overthrown, for he hath not the cunning of the other." consent to my expedition," observed Raleigh. "Of that I am very heartily glad, believe me," said Sir Robert, shaking Sir Walter by the hand with as much earnestness as if he had been the best friend he had in the world; "and knowing, as I do, your fitness to lead to a profitable and glorious issue all such armaments, in which, as far as I have heard of the best judges, is no man living your superior, I do build upon it great hopes of your advancement in the queen's favor; whereat none of all your friends will feel more infinite delight than myself. But sit, I pray you, and let us drink a bottle of Ippocras to your successful voyage." "With all my heart!" exclaimed the Lord Cobham, cheerfully, as he flung himself carelessly into a chair, and did put aside his hat. "Such a proposition must be welcome for the sake of mine accomplished friend; but there is another consideration that claimeth to be taken into account-my throat is dry." "A good consideration truly," remarked Cecil with a smile, as he rang a silver bell that lay upon the table. "Nay, if you will have wine, I must leave you two to the enjoyment of it— my duties permitting me not to assist you in what would otherwise be mightily agreeable to me; for I must hurry to attend upon her majesty to the playhouse." "Tush, my lord," exclaimed Cecil, with some impatience; "see you not, that if Raleigh be quite removed, Essex will be paramount? "Tis a business that "Now sit you down," replied Sir Robmust be managed with exceeding deli- ert with great demonstration of friendship, cacy. Hark!" he cried, in a more sub- preventing Sir Walter from leaving the dued voice, rising quickly from his seat, room-"it wanteth, to my certain knowland opening the secret door as the Lord edge, a good half hour to the time when Howard prepared to depart―" Here are her majesty is like to be ready, so your visiters coming. Haste and tell my Lady haste need not be so immediate-besides Howard not to stir in this matter till II take it hugely unkind of you, seeing have seen her." Then closing it upon his retreating associate, and unfastening the other door, he was in a minute very busily employed upon some writings on a table before him, when there came a knock; and as soon as he had called out to them that they might have admittance, there entered Sir Walter Raleigh, with a very courtier-like looking gentleman, most daintily attired. "Now I take this as exceeding kind of you, Sir Walter," exclaimed Cecil, in a manner marvellously friendly, as he recognised his visiters. "And my worthy brother-in-law, my Lord Cobham, too! I know not which to be thankful for most-the presence of yourself or your friend. I pray you be seated." "Indeed I have but called to acquaint you that her majesty hath signified her that while I, who am of so notorious a gravity, for the sake of one to whose admirable qualities I stand so well affected, am inclined to unbend to a becoming sociality, you, who are well known to be the most absolute prince of good fellows, on the poor excuse of press of time, do seek to play the churl with my well-disposedness." “I'faith, Raleigh, there must surely be time for a glass or two with my worthy brother-in-law," said his friend, and then added very gravely, "and there is a very good reason why I think so." "Out with your reason, my good lord," exclaimed Cecil, somewhat urgently-“out with your reason, if you love me, for I do truly hope it will be a convincing one." "My throat is dry," sagely replied the Lord Cobham. so grave an argument," said Sir Walter laughingly, as he uncovered and did sit himself down," so I must e'en be indebted to your courtesy." "O`my life, there is no standing against an able commander by land or sea, a ripe and perfect scholar, and a most honorable 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." "In every word of this I gladly concur, and drink success to him with all my heart," added my Lord Cobham; and, both thereupon, quickly drank off their glasses. At this instant a serving man entered, to whom orders were given for the bringing of the Ippocras; and Sir Water Raleigh noticing a peculiar suit of armor, Sir Robert Cecil then did acquaint him how his father, the Lord Burghley, took great delight in making a collection of offensive and defensive arms, of different times and countries, the which he had that room built on purpose to receive, in "Sir Robert Cecil," replied Sir Walter preference to keeping them at his mag- in a truly dignified and impressive mannificent mansion at Theobald's, or at ner, as he stood up to the table—“It Burghley House; and when Sir Walter, would be but affectation in me were I to being very learned in these things, did seem indifferent to applause; for, howexplain to him the age and nature of some, ever it may be taken, I must acknowlhe listened with exceeding respect. In edge, that I love praise-because I love truth, although Cecil was the youngest to deserve it: and if I have not merited of the three, he was the very craftiest it to the extent your goodness hath beman in all her majesty's dominions. His stowed, believe me it was rather from appearance was in no wise preposses- want of ability than inclination: neversing-being short of stature, and with a theless I can not say how much beholden face not at all handsome, shrewd eyes, to you I am for your good opinion, and, and a scanty beard; yet by falling into though as it seemeth to me, the success I the humors of the great-affecting a won- may have can not come up with your exderful sincerity, and seeming of a serious pectations, to prevent as much as lieth in turn, he had advanced himself to her my power your judgment from being majesty's confidence-nor was he in- called in question, I will, in all times to clined there to stop, for ambition was his come, urge my poor qualifications to the ruling passion and everything he schem- utmost. I thank you for your good wishes ed about, had for its object, without ma--and my lord also—and in return drink king enemies, to get as much power as to your prosperity." was possible into his own hands. All this time my Lord Cobham was arranging his hair, and trifling with his beard before a very polished coat-of-mail, that served him as a mirror. The wine now having been brought in and poured out by the serving man before he left the room, into three tall Venetian glasses, Sir Robert Cecil standing up with his glass in his hand, said, with an abundance of humility: 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." moor." "It ill becometh me, who am so little "Saw you the Lord Essex as you skilled in speech, to attempt what re- came ?" inquired Sir Robert, carelessly. quireth such true eloquence as the praise "We met somebody very like him," of one who hath so distinguished himself replied the other, "only he did regard in all manner of knightly and clerk-like us with an aspect so Ethiopian, I had accomplishments, as hath my most wor-like to have taken him for a blackathy 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 humor, be content with the assurance, that, as far as my humble judgment goeth, I do consider him an honor to this our age, and an example to the world, of Ah, my lord is doubtless a little out of humor," observed Cecil, significantly. "He is not in favor 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. |